This is the first formal conversation between India and Germany since two clashed over the Kashmir issue

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and discussed a range of issues, including bilateral matters and Ukraine war.

Taking to twitter, EAM Jaishankar said: “Received a call from FM @ABaerbock of Germany. Discussed our bilateral relationship, sustainable development, and the Ukraine conflict. Agreed to continue our conversations.”

This is the first formal communication between India and Germany since two sides clashed over Baerbock's call for UN involvement in resolving the Kashmir conflict peacefully with her Pakistani counterpart, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Berlin on October 8.

Back then, while replying to Zardari’s statement on Kashmir, Baerbock stated, “Germany also has a role and responsibility about the situation of Kashmir. Therefore, we support intensively the engagement of the United Nations to find the peaceful solution in the regions.”

Soon after, India strongly objected to her statement, stating that the world community has a critical role to play in denouncing international terrorism and emphasising the fact that foreign nationals have also been its victims.

“All serious and conscientious members of the global community have a role and responsibility to call out international terrorism, especially of a cross-border nature. The Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has borne the brunt of such a terrorist campaign for decades. This continues till now,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

“Foreign nationals have been victims there, as also in other parts of India. The UN Security Council and FATF are still pursuing Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the horrific 26/11 attacks,” he added.

“When states do not recognise such dangers, either because of self-interest or indifference, they undermine the cause of peace, not promote it. They also do grave injustice to the victims of terrorism,” the MEA Spokesperson further added.