India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held extensive talks with his German counterpart, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on 10th Sep, 2024, Tuesday in Berlin, focusing on strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of areas, including trade, defence, and security, as well as regional and global geopolitical developments such as the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Germany after attending the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. “Held wide-ranging discussions with FM @ABaerbock in Berlin today. Took stock of India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade and investment, green & sustainable development, skilled workers’ mobility, technology and defence & security,” Jaishankar posted on X. The two foreign ministers exchanged views on critical global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the escalating tensions in Gaza, and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. “Baerbock and I had a good discussion on the state of the world… Our conversation touched on many subjects,” Jaishankar said during a joint press briefing. He also mentioned India’s involvement in global issues, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine and emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the Middle East.
The Indo-Pacific region was another focal point of the discussions, with both ministers emphasizing the need for cooperation in ensuring regional security. “We also spent some time on the Indo-Pacific and briefly on some things happening in our immediate neighbourhood,” Mr. Jaishankar said, signaling India’s increasing focus on this crucial region. The strategic dialogue also touched upon the growing defence cooperation between India and Germany, following the first-ever joint air exercises held earlier this year. EAM Jaishankar expressed optimism about future engagements between the two countries in the defence sector. “Our interactions in defence and security have also increased… We hope to welcome your naval ships in Goa next month. Our policy and other exchanges have been mutually beneficial, and we would like to explore how our defence industries can cooperate more closely,” he noted.
In addition to defence and security, trade and investment featured prominently in the talks. Jaishankar highlighted the strong economic ties between India and Germany, with annual trade reaching approximately $30 billion. He also underscored the potential for further growth, particularly in light of India’s plans to establish 12 new industrial zones, offering opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation. “Germany is a crucial partner in accelerating our growth and development. In turn, India can contribute to building reliable and resilient supply chains, diversified production, and trusted digital partnerships,” Jaishankar said. Jaishankar and Baerbock also discussed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other agreements during their meeting. Both sides expressed their desire to expedite negotiations on these fronts with the incoming European Commission. “With the incoming Commission, we hope to move faster on the FTA, and other agreements, and we count on Germany’s support for that. Also, we would like to hold an early meeting of the Trade and Technology Council,” Jaishankar emphasized.
One key area of India-Germany collaboration has been in skilled workers’ mobility, particularly through the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed during Baerbock’s visit to India in December 2022. This agreement has facilitated the smooth movement of skills and talent, and Jaishankar noted that approximately 125,000 Indian nationals are currently employed in Germany in various professional capacities. Jaishankar also stressed the importance of international cooperation, stating that India and Germany, both active players on the global stage, could work together in various geographies and programs. “We exchanged views about how we can work together where possible in third countries,” he added.
The two ministers touched on the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where both nations are seeking greater representation within the UN Security Council. Jaishankar noted that both India and Germany aspire to play a more prominent role in reforming the UN to better reflect current global realities. “This year there is a special Summit of the Future, and Germany is one of the co-facilitators. We naturally discussed global issues and reforming the UN,” Jaishankar said, underscoring the shared goal of enhancing global governance. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference of the German Foreign Office in Berlin, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Jaishankar expressed enthusiasm for Baerbock’s upcoming visit to India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations, a platform for both countries to deepen their strategic partnership. Additionally, he welcomed the forthcoming Asia Pacific Conference of German Businesses, to be held in New Delhi in October 2024, as another opportunity for collaboration and growth. The meeting between Jaishankar and Baerbock reaffirms the enduring partnership between India and Germany, with both countries committed to expanding their cooperation in key areas such as trade, technology, defence, and sustainable development while jointly addressing pressing global challenge.
