Strengthening India-Germany Relations
Johann Wadephul, the German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday morning, commencing a two-day official visit to India that emphasizes the growing partnership between India and Germany.
His visit, taking place from September 2 to 3, starts in Bengaluru, known as India's tech hub, where he plans to tour the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) before heading to Delhi.
According to a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the purpose of this visit is to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Wadephul remarked on the profound nature of India-Germany relations, stating they are significant in political, economic, and cultural aspects, and he noted the immense potential for this partnership. He mentioned, 'The expansion of our strategic partnership holds great promise, ranging from security collaboration to innovation and technology, as well as the recruitment of skilled workers.'
On September 3, Wadephul is scheduled to meet with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and engage in discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He praised India's role on the global stage and its status as the world's most populous democracy, stating, 'India's voice resonates beyond the strategically significant Indo-Pacific region, which is why I am here for discussions.'
He emphasized the shared democratic values between India and Germany, highlighting their importance in maintaining global stability. Wadephul stated, 'India plays a crucial role in shaping the international order of our time. As democracies, we are natural allies in this endeavor. Given the significant geopolitical challenges, we must work together to uphold a rules-based international order.'
This visit occurs as Germany actively seeks to bolster its economic and security relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, enhance technical collaboration, and attract skilled professionals from India. It follows recent discussions between External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and German MP Jurgen Hardt in New Delhi.
