ANI | Updated: Sep 03, 2025 18:12 IST
New Delhi [India], September 3 (ANI): German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday highlighted India’s growing importance in global politics and trade, declaring that for Germany, “India equals Asia,” while for New Delhi, Germany is equivalent to Europe. Wadephul is on a two-day official visit to India, during which he held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on trade, security, and global challenges.
Addressing a joint press conference, Wadephul said Berlin regards New Delhi as a crucial partner in shaping the global order. “India equals Asia for us, and Germany and the European Union in a way are equivalent for India. India plays a very important part, and though we both have our own political positions and priorities, when it comes to democratic principles and regulatory steps, both our countries and both our markets tend to be very diligent and adherent to certain details,” he said.
The German minister emphasised that both sides must do more to ease market access. “Sometimes, we could make it easier for the other side to engage in the respective market, and we’ve underlined that in our discussions today. I think we both have our homework to do in that regard,” he noted.
Wadephul also reaffirmed Germany’s support for India in its fight against terrorism, stressing that New Delhi has every right to defend its people. He said both countries share concerns about defending the international rules-based order, particularly in the context of China’s rise. While acknowledging China as a partner in climate protection, he described it also as a competitor and a systemic rival. “We place value on having fair competition and equal rules. But we also see China as a systemic rival—and we don’t want that rivalry,” he said, adding that Germany and its partners must respond to China’s increasing confrontational approach in certain areas.
On the Ukraine conflict, Wadephul welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO Summit in Tianjin. He urged India to use its ties with Moscow to push for peace, noting, “Peace is the basis for security, freedom, and prosperity. Security is and will remain a challenge for the future.”
The German Foreign Minister also praised India’s technological leadership, pointing to its hosting of the upcoming AI Summit as proof of its ambition to be at the forefront of innovation. He underlined trade as another pillar of ties, noting that with nearly €31 billion in bilateral trade, India is already Germany’s most important partner in South Asia. “We aim to double that,” he said.
EAM Jaishankar, in turn, stressed that the sweeping changes in global strategic and economic landscapes make a “very compelling case for a deeper, stronger, wider India-Germany relationship.” He noted, “We are witnessing significant and far-reaching changes on the global strategic landscape, along with volatility on the economic front. Together, they make a very powerful case for India and the European Union—and India and Germany—to work much more closely.”
Jaishankar described the India-Germany partnership as “enormously important,” especially amid uncertainties. “This relationship is growing in substance and has greater value at this time. Predictability today has a huge premium in global politics,” he said.
The minister added that bilateral trade last year was nearly €50 billion, and assured Wadephul that India shares Germany’s confidence about doubling the volume. He reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to improving ease of doing business and addressing concerns of German companies.
Highlighting 50 years of Indo-German scientific collaboration, Jaishankar said the focus now was on linking science to industry and expanding cooperation in cyber, digital, and space domains. He also raised the issue of Ariha Shah, an Indian child in German foster care, stressing the importance of ensuring her cultural rights and upbringing in Indian surroundings.
On defence and security ties, Jaishankar pointed out Germany’s participation in the Tarang Shakti air exercises and port calls by its navy, saying both sides agreed to expand such cooperation. He also appreciated Germany’s consistent support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar said India believes a multipolar world with strategic autonomy can best respond to current challenges through closer consultations and cooperation among key states.
“This is a very steady relationship. What we promise to each other and the policies we pursue remain constant and predictable. For us, Germany as the largest EU member is central to our global calculations,” Jaishankar said, welcoming Wadephul on his first visit to India as Foreign Minister. (ANI)
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