The Rediff Special/ Klaus Kinkel

'Reconciliation with Pakistan will release a vast amount of resources which are urgently needed to bring about economic and social progress'

The concept of regional co-operation serves peace and stability -- that goes for Europe as much as it does for Asia. Germany's experience with this policy has been good -- in political and economic terms, as well as in security issues. Europe's history shows that regional co-operation and integration can even overcome supposed 'arch enmities' which many generations had regarded as insurmountable.

India's dedicated work within the framework of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation is particularly important. We expressly encourage you to carry on along this path. India's recent treaties with Bangladesh and Nepal represented a breakthrough following years of stagnation. That shows that a policy of small steps and much patience will enable South Asia to attain what Europe has achieved!

India's 1993 co-operation agreement with the European Union brought our regions even closer together. Of course, one cannot simply apply European models to other regions. The differences in the Asia-Pacific region and the sheer size of the region are too great for that. Europe cannot offer any blueprint but it can offer orientation. In many cases India will prefer co-operation to integration. The crucial point is, however that a committed policy of regional co-operation is the key to gaining a prominent place in the world. And India is entitled to hold such a place.

We hope that the dialogue with Pakistan which broke down in 1994 will be revived and that determined efforts to find a solution will be pursued. Reconciliation with Pakistan would release a vast amount of resources which are urgently needed to bring about economic and social progress.

Of course, every country defines its own security interests. For many decades, India has pressed for the abolition of nuclear weapons. It has played an important role in the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and has now ratified it - as we have ourselves. Not only Germany, but the whole world, hopes that India will continue to pursue this committed and resolute policy also with regard to nuclear tests and anti-personnel mines.

There have been more than 2,000 nuclear tests since the end of the Second World War. In 1954 Nehru was the first statesman to demand a comprehensive test ban and now we finally have a chance of reaching this goal. We must subdue the atomic spectre even if it is no longer possible to banish it completely. I know that the currently treaty on a comprehensive nuclear test ban is not perfect. However, it represents substantial tangible progress. And it is not the end of the process.

We need further nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation steps. However, the treaty is the best that we can do at present. That is why almost 140 states have already signed it, Germany being one of the first. India sees the CTBT differently -- that is your right. However, I believe that for our children and our grandchildren it is the feasible that counts -- and that is what we should do.

Anti-personnel mines must also be banned. They kill and maim about 20,000 people worldwide each year, while great expanses of land cannot be inhabited or cultivated. I have spoken to mine victims in Cambodia and Mozambique. I shall never forget the terrible images.

I have launched a seven-point programme of action in order to help rid the world of these evil weapons. Germany has renounced anti-personnel mines completely and imposed a unilateral export ban. Our remaining stock will be destroyed by the end of this year. I would be very pleased if India would join us. This truly is a great humanitarian concern!

I am talking about these points frankly because India has frequently served as a model for a more peaceful and stable world in many areas. Your pacifist convictions and non-violent resistance on the road to Independence were unique. In this spirit, India has made constructive contributions to international politics. This applies to its participation in peacekeeping measures and disarmament, as well as to the preservation of natural sources of life. I place great importance on our close co-operation in these issues. Both within the United Nations system and beyond.

Germany is willing to assume greater responsibility in world politics in the UN Security Council, also as a permanent member. The composition of this forum no longer reflects the reality of the current world situation. This is particularly true for the voices of Asia, Africa or Latin America. However, it remains the task of these regions to decide on the nature of their representation.

Your great statesman Nehru once said: 'You can't find a modern tool with an ancient mind.' India and Germany have heeded this wise advice. As leading nations in the 'new Asia' and in the 'new Europe' we are making our countries fit for the 21st century. Let us work together to make our partnership fit.

As enthusiastic sporting nations India and Germany are team players. Our national hockey teams are among the best in the world. If we combine our skills and knowledge in a joint team and run onto the playing field with determination, the Indo-German partnership can only continue to be a winning team in the 21st century!

Tell us what you think of this column