The Latvian Foreign Minister underlines the need to strengthen cooperation between Latvia and India

On 22 February 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krišjānis Kariņš, during the third day of his working visit in New Delhi, India, together with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic States and Nordic countries met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. At the meeting, Krišjānis Kariņš highlighted the shared interests of Latvia and India in the safeguarding of international law and an effective multilateral system. The Minister also thanked India for its decision to open an embassy in Riga, which would become an important milestone in the further development of bilateral relations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined Latvia’s support for closer cooperation between the Baltic-Nordic format (NB8) and India, given that the regions are linked by common values. In addition, a vast potential exists for the development of a mutually advantageous bilateral cooperation, including in the digital sector, space sciences, and bio-economy.

In a discussion with the faculty and students at the Centre for European Studies of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Minister emphasised the close link between the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions, including in the field of security; therefore, it is vital to work together towards the safeguarding of common values, especially respect for democracy and international law with the United Nations Charter at its core. Krišjānis Kariņš outlined Latvia’s opinion of current geopolitical situation and answered questions from the students.

In continuation of his working visit, the Minister had bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Nepal, and Mauritius.

The topics discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Shirley Botchway, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Narajan Saud, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius, Maneesh Gobin, were latest international developments, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the war of Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.  The officials agreed on the need to safeguard international law through the application of its principles in a consistent manner.

Current developments in bilateral cooperation, including in international organisations, and the development of a contractual legal base were also discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana. Views on the possibilities for expanding bilateral cooperation, including in international organisations, were exchanged with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. A discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius addressed the climate change issues and the potential sharing of experience in combating money laundering.