Opinion “We would want India to assume a still more active role in international affairs,and to take even more responsibility”

Global terrorism and violent extremism are serious threats,not only to the region but also to international peace and security. Germany is very concerned about terrorist training camps in the region. It is clear that we all have a common interest in combating this threat and we should join hands to do so. Close cooperation is crucial for dismantling terrorist networks and preventing them from carrying out attacks. We want peace and security not only in Afghanistan,but for the whole region. That is why we seek close cooperation in this matter also with Pakistan. 

In this context,do you think the time is ripe for NATO forces led by the US to implement a plan for drawing down troops in Afghanistan? What in Germany’s view should be India’s future role in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region? 

During the Kabul conference in July,with our NATO and Afghan partners,we finalised the so-called “transition” concept. This concept includes the step-by-step transition of security responsibility from the international troops to the Afghan army and police. The Afghan president has committed that the Afghan security forces will assume full responsibility for security by 2014,beginning next year. I am confident that this goal can be achieved. But this transition of responsibility does not mean the immediate withdrawal of all international forces. And even after NATO troops have left Afghanistan,the international community will continue its assistance to Afghanistan and its people. As far as India’s contribution is concerned,your country is really doing a lot to help Afghanistan with reconstruction and development. 

China’s assertiveness has become a cause of concern in Asia as well as among other important powers. As a global power involved in crucial negotiations like those with Iran,how concerned is Germany about ensuring that China’s rise is peaceful? 

Given China’s size and economic as well as political weight,the country is an important partner not only for Asia,but also for the EU and for Germany. I am confident that China knows,as we do,that peace and stability worldwide,and particularly in Asia,is in its own best interest,and will continue to act accordingly. 

The civil nuclear power industry is witnessing a splendid phase of growth and there has been a healthy debate in Germany to not foreclose this option as a clean source of power. Is Germany pursuing cooperation with India on this subject,and if so,could you share some details? Only a few weeks ago,our government presented its energy concept,in which nuclear power plays a role as a bridging technology into the era of new energy technologies,including an increasing share of renewables and significant advances in energy efficiency.

Germany has a great deal of expertise on the safe operation of nuclear power plants which we are ready to share with other countries like India. As to cooperation between the Nuclear Suppliers Group and India,it has greatly intensified since 2008 when it was decided to grant an exemption to India. Currently,companies are examining the effects of India’s new liability legislation. 

What is the state of the Indo-German bilateral relationship? What prospects do you wish to explore during your visit?

India and Germany have very close and friendly relations. We are linked by a strategic partnership that includes a political dialogue as well as an intensive economic cooperation. India’s growth rates are impressive and there are many opportunities for German companies. But I would like to add that we feel that our relations are not limited to economic partnership. We share the same democratic values. India is the world’s largest democracy and it has certainly become a player of global importance. Given its fast-growing political and economic weight,we would want India to assume a still more active role in international affairs and to take even more responsibility. And we would also like to intensify our cooperation on global issues such a the protection of our climate. 

There has been some movement in the UN on the issue of expanding membership in the permanent category of the UN Security Council. Discussions are under way to come up with a negotiated text. Also,we hear proposals for an intermediate solution,such as a semi-permanent seat for 10 years with no veto power. Is Germany warming up to any of the intermediate solutions that are being talked about? Is working together under the G-4 rubric still a useful strategy?

First of all,I would like to congratulate India on being elected to the Security Council for the next two years. I am looking forward to close cooperation with your country. The challenges lying ahead of us are manifold,such as the resolution of regional conflicts or global challenges as climate change or disarmament. With regard to a reform of the United Nations and the Security Council,it is obvious that today’s UN structure still reflects the architecture of the world after the Second World War. But things have changed a lot,and it is no longer adequate to have continents like Asia,Latin America and Africa so obviously underrepresented in the Security Council. We have to work on this. A couple of weeks ago,I met with my G4 colleagues in New York to talk about the way forward. I think that working together in this format is still very useful and we will continue to do so. It might also be helpful that three of us,that is India,Brazil and Germany,are non-permanent members next year. This might help to create an additional momentum for reform.