India, Germany Explore Space Cooperation, Relationship

New Delhi:3/9/25:  External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul held a productive discussion on India-Germany cooperation and their relationship with the European Union in New Delhi today. The two sides exchanged views on political cooperation, security, defence, climate, future technologies, and people-to-people exchanges. Addressing a joint press conference with his German counterpart, Dr. Jaishankar said that both sides exchanged views on regional, global, and multilateral issues.

Dr. Jaishankar expressed that India greatly values the understanding Germany has shown regarding the country’s fight against terrorism. He noted that Mr. Wadephul has been explicit in supporting India’s right to defend itself against terror attacks. Dr. Jaishankar also highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Germany reached nearly 50 billion euros last year. He added that the German Foreign Minister is confident about the potential to double this trade volume. Reiterating India’s commitment to continuously improving the ease of doing business, Dr. Jaishankar assured Mr. Wadephul that any concerns German companies might have about entering or operating in India would receive special attention.

Highlighting that India and Germany have completed 50 years of scientific collaboration, Dr. Jaishankar stressed the need to intensify this partnership and link it more closely with industry. He also emphasised the importance of actively exploring space cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Jaishankar noted that discussions between the two sides also covered areas such as green hydrogen, green energy, and biofuels. Dr Jaishankar added that the two sides also agreed on gratis visas for short school and college visits to further promote students exchanges. He further underlined that a multipolar world with strategic autonomy is best suited to respond to today’s global challenges.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that lauded India as an innovative powerhouse and technology centre. He noted that as a rising economic powerhouse, the most populous country, and the world’s largest democracy, India has a special importance in a strategically important region of the world. Mr. Wadephul added that the economies of India and Germany have much to gain by further expanding their cooperation. He reiterated that when it comes to India defending itself against terrorism, Germany continues to stand firmly on its side. He also emphasised that Germany agrees with India and many other nations on the need to defend the international rules-based order.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr Jaishankar sought  German support to deepen India’s relationship with the European Union and expedite the Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Dr Jaishankar said he is looking forward to an in-depth discussion on  various dimensions of a bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He said, India and Germany are marking 25 years of strategic partnership, 50 years of scientific cooperation, and almost 60 years of cultural agreements.