NEW DELHI — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived within the Indian capital on Saturday the place he’s anticipated to debate with the Indian prime minister Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and methods to spice up bilateral financial cooperation, officers stated.

“We’ll talk about intensely all matters related for the event of our nations but additionally the peace on the planet, which is vital,” Scholz advised reporters after he was acquired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the president’s palace.

The journey is Scholz’s first official go to to India, although it’s his fourth assembly with Modi since taking workplace in 2021.

The German chancellor is predicted to hunt India’s help for the powerful stance taken by Europe and the US towards Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

After a videoconference with fellow leaders from the Group of Seven industrial powers on Friday, Scholz stated earlier than leaving Berlin for India that “internationally, we’re endeavoring to clarify that Russia stands alone on the planet with its aggression in opposition to Ukraine.”

“I’ll advocate as soon as once more there (New Delhi) for our stance, our viewpoint on this battle,” he advised reporters.

Modi has kept away from any overt criticism of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine as Moscow is a serious arms provider and likewise supplies India with oil and different financial wants.

“There may be enormous potential for intensified cooperation, in sectors similar to renewables, hydrogen, mobility, pharma and digital economic system” with India, Scholz stated in an interview revealed by The Occasions of India newspaper on Saturday.

Philipp Ackermann, the German ambassador to India, stated he understands why India is shopping for giant portions of oil from Russia.

“That’s one thing that the Indian authorities decides and as you get it at a really, very low value, you recognize I can not blame the Indian authorities for getting it,” the New Delhi tv information channel cited Ackermann as saying.

Scholz additionally is predicted to press for progress towards India-EU free commerce and funding safety agreements. Germany has been pushing to diversify its financial relations as European nations attempt to decouple from China, a German official stated on situation of anonymity as he was not approved to speak to reporters.

In Might final 12 months, Germany and India signed a sequence of bilateral agreements targeted on sustainable improvement below which India will obtain $10.5 billion in assist by 2030 to spice up the usage of clear power.

Some agreements are anticipated to be signed on Saturday. Particulars weren’t instantly accessible.

The 2-day go to will even take Scholz to India’s data know-how hub Bengaluru on Sunday.