The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reached Geneva, Switzerland. He paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi as the first part of his visit. Jaishankar talked about how relevant Gandhi’s message is in today’s polarized world.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a world of polarization and conflict, Bapu’s message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever.”
During his stay in Geneva, Jaishankar will call on the Swiss Foreign Minister. The two Foreign Ministers will review the close partnership between India and Switzerland and discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Earlier, MEA issued a statement, “Geneva hosts a large number of UN and international organizations. During the visit, EAM will also meet the heads and representatives of these organizations with whom India engages extensively.”
A visit by Jaishankar to Switzerland comes after he completed his visits to Germany and Saudi Arabia. Earlier on Wednesday, he called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. During this meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Scholz.
He said in a post on X about the meeting: “Honored to meet Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Modi.” He further added, “Look forward to his visit to India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations.”
Apart from this, Jaishankar also met with Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Both discussed a range of security issues. “A fruitful meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Exchanged views on security issues. Appreciate the progress in defense ties,” Jaishankar tweeted.
This visit to Berlin was Jaishankar’s third bilateral visit since he became the External Affairs Minister. He also visited Germany for the second time this year after attending the Munich Security Conference in February 2024.
During his visit, Jaishankar met German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. They reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations in the context of the forthcoming 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) this October in New Delhi.
The two leaders were satisfied with the forthcoming 18th Asia Pacific Conference (APK) of German Businesses due to be held in New Delhi next month. It would help to enhance a business-to-business relationship between India and Germany, the MEA has stated.
Jaishankar also held talks on regional and global issues of mutual interest between both sides, such as in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and West Asia. He also called on Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group; Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag; and other parliamentarians from various political parties of Germany, said MEA.
ANI