Jaishankar Urges Stronger India-Germany, EU Partnership Amid Global Changes

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the global strategic and economic landscape is undergoing “significant and far-reaching changes,” underscoring the need for India, the European Union (EU), and Germany to strengthen cooperation.

Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting German foreign minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi, Jaishankar said geopolitical uncertainties and economic volatility present a “very powerful case” for closer partnerships.

The remarks come as India faces rising economic pressures, including Washington’s recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports linked to Russian crude oil.

Jaishankar stressed that India and Germany have “considerable possibilities for rapid growth” in their relationship. He added, “Those changes make a very compelling case for a deeper, stronger, wider India-Germany relationship.”

Trade Focus

Highlighting bilateral cooperation, Jaishankar said discussions also touched on advancing trade negotiations. Wadephul assured that Germany would fully support progress on the EU-India free trade agreement (FTA).

Bilateral trade between India and Germany stood at nearly €50 billion last year, with both sides expressing optimism that trade volumes could double in the coming years.

Jaishankar emphasized that the partnership is “enormously important” and is gaining momentum amid global uncertainty.