India-Germany Relations Strengthen with Focus on EU Trade
Closer India-Germany Relations: Jaishankar, Wadephul Eye Trade, Technology, and Global Peace
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday underlined the importance of Germany’s proactive role in strengthening India’s engagement with the European Union and its strong backing for the much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA). His remarks came during wide-ranging talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who is on his maiden official visit to India.
Welcoming his counterpart in the national capital, Jaishankar wrote on X:
“Delighted to welcome FM @JoWadephul of Germany this morning in Delhi. Held detailed discussions on our bilateral agenda as we prepare for the next round of Inter-Governmental Consultations. Explored greater collaboration in furthering industry linkages, talent mobility, digital, semiconductors and critical technologies. Appreciate Germany’s strong advocacy for closer India-EU ties and proactive push in concluding the FTA.”
India-Germany Relations: Shared Views on Global Conflicts
The dialogue also extended to pressing international issues. Both leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the volatile situation in West Asia, and broader challenges across the Indo-Pacific.
Stressing the need for stronger coordination, Jaishankar noted,
“We are witnessing significant and far-reaching changes on the global strategic landscape. We’re also seeing volatility in the global economic order. Together, these factors make a powerful case for India and the European Union – and particularly India and Germany – to deepen cooperation. This is a relationship with considerable scope for rapid growth.”
German Foreign Minister Wadephul echoed this sentiment while acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO summit. “Prime Minister Modi, when he met with President Putin a couple of days ago, pointed to the need for a speedy peace agreement in Ukraine, which is important to us,” Wadephul said, expressing hope that India could leverage its ties with Moscow to facilitate peace.
Beyond Diplomacy
The discussions were not limited to geopolitical crises. Both leaders placed strong emphasis on expanding cooperation in digital transformation, semiconductor development, critical technologies, and mobility of skilled talent. With Germany being a crucial advocate for India within the European Union, the visit reinforced the momentum for India-Germany relations in trade, technology, and sustainable growth.
Wadephul candidly acknowledged differences in perspectives between India and Europe but stressed the value of dialogue:
“I know that we don’t always see 100% eye to eye with our Indian friends. This is why I urged that India uses its relations with Russia to highlight the urgent need for peace. Open discussions like the one we had today are essential. Peace is the foundation for prosperity, freedom, and long-term security.”
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