Angela Merkel visits: India, Germany back each other for permanent berths in reformed UNSC

"The lack of representativeness of the Security Council at the heart of the international order for international peace and security affects the legitimacy of its decisions and its effectiveness. In light of the global challenges we are facing, we need strong, legitimate and effective United Nations," said a Joint Statement issued at the end of bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The two leaders also underlined the steadfast efforts of the G-4 and other reform-oriented countries and groups in moving towards initiation of text-based negotiations on the Security Council reform to be initiated during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Group of four nations India, Brazil, Germany and Japan are supporting each other’s bids for permanent seats on the UNSC.

"Strong and effective multilateral cooperation is key to secure peace, stability and prosperity," it said adding major challenges of our time, by their nature and global scope, cannot be addressed by countries separately but must be tackled jointly.

India and Germany agreed that full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian Nuclear Programme and the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was needed to ensure regional and international peace and security.
The statement also said that current issues need to be resolved peacefully through dialogue and confidence building, including through efforts towards de-escalation of ongoing tensions.

Both Modi and Merkel expressed their commitment to strengthen global non-proliferation efforts.

India thanked Germany for its support for India’s accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
Germany reiterated its steadfast support for India’s early accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and in this context recalled the importance of India’s constructive engagement in the areas of nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control, it said.

On his 150th anniversary, both leaders paid tribute to the lasting legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and to his philosophy of non-violence and harmony.

They reiterated their commitment to promote shared values such as democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and multilateral cooperation, based on purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

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