New Delhi: India and Germany have had robust bilateral relationship in the last several decades. In fact, in the recently concluded Inter-Governmental Consultations in New Delhi, the emphasis from both countries was on growing together with mobility, innovation and sustainability. How is the relationship now standing and what is the common ground as well as the global challenges.
German Ambassador to India Dr Philip Ackermann discusses a host of issues with TV9 Network Executive Editor Aditya Raj Kaul in our episode of The Diplomat.
IGC outcome very successful: Philip Ackermann
“I have to say that we have a basket full of things in this IGC. The outcome was really substantive. We have basically concluded things and will use treaties, letters of intent. But when you want to pick out the most important things, I think there was a very important business angle. So, at the same time, we had the Asia Pacific Conference of the German business with a thousand delegates. Prime Minister and the Chancellor addressed the delegates and I think it was the biggest proof or the biggest signal that German businesses are very interested in India. And I hope the other way round to some Indian businesses interested in Germany, and I think we’ll see in the coming months a clear movement towards, maybe more thinking of investing in India, doing trade with India,” the German Ambassador told TV9 Network.
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‘India and Germany see each other as security partner’
Dr Philip Ackermann also highlighted how India and Germany see each other as security partners.
“There is a concrete example of growing India-Germany cooperation. On day two of the IGC, the Chancellor went to Goa to see a German frigate and a combat provision ship, which is quite a big vessel. And that means that India and Germany see each other more and more as security partners also So it’s basically a commitment from outside to look more what happens in the Indo-Pacific together with our Indian partners. But at the same time, we see that India the Indian army needs equipment. The Indian army is a very interesting partner in many ways. So we see common exercises like these two vessels did with the Indian Navy,” Dr Ackermann said.
‘Without India fight against climate useless’
The German Ambassador also highlighted India’s roles in combating climate change and how India is crucial in the fight against climate change.
“I think in the security field, in the military, strategic field, Germany and India are getting closer and closer. And maybe the third item of the IGC and you mentioned it is the sustainability chapter without India fight against climate change is useless. You need India on board and India and Germany have this partnership for green and sustainable green and sustainable development.”
