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Times of Oman
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian EAM Jaishankar lists areas of collaboration between India-Germany
Berlin: Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar shared his remarks on how India and Germany can upgrade their ties as the two countries mark 25 years of their strategic partnership. He offered suggestions on collaboration in several areas to take the ties ahead. EAM Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking at the DGAP's Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and technology. EAM Jaishankar said in his speech that his visit comes as the two countries are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership. He said, "To be here early in the tenure of this government, so that we really lose no time in forging a pathway towards taking after 25 years to look at the next 25 years and see where we can take our relationship". Listing down the challenges which the modern world has brought forth, such as the chips war, climate change, poverty, damage done by the COVID pandemic, amongst others. EAM expressed confidence in the India-Germany ties to face them. He said, "The global picture is very challenging... for that I would argue that the partnership between India and Germany, and India and the European Union, of which Germany is a crucial and invaluable member, has acquired an importance and a salience much more than it has had before". Sharing his engagements in Germany, EAM noted that the time is ripe to think about the next 25 years and how we can fully realise the potential of India-Germany ties. Sharing his thoughts on what can be done to upgrade the relationship, EAM listed down areas of collaboration. The first area he highlighted was "A good start would be defence and security. We've had sort of an off and on relationship here. There have been times decades ago when there were actually active defence ties between us. Then for whatever reason, there's a certain conservatism about taking it forward. But I have seen that in the last few years, once again, there is a realization in both countries that there is something that we have to offer to each other. And the defence and security of both countries would be very much stronger through our cooperation. And we see this reflected. We see this reflected in exercises in the visits of German ships to the Indo-Pacific and to Indian ports. We see it reflected in enhanced export licensing practices, in discussions whether there can be further technology and equipment collaboration between our countries." The second area he brought to attention was talent and mobility to meet demand and demographics. He highlighted that India's demographic curve is in the right place to fashion a global workforce. The third area was technology and digital AI, and the fourth area being sustainability and green growth. He expressed optimism for trade ties to grow between the two countries and an FTA with the EU would help in that regard. He also shared the snippets from the event in a post on X. "A good interaction @dgapev this evening. Spoke about India and Germany coming closer to promote global stability, security and prosperity. Discussed new opportunities in the bilateral relationship, as well as with the European Union. Preparing for a stronger partnership in a multipolar world."
Times of Oman
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian EAM Jaishankar interacts with members of German Parliament, discusses India's commitment to combat terrorism
Berlin: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday interacted with members of the German parliament during his official visit to the country. The EAM held discussions on wide-ranging topics, including India's firm commitment to combatting terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Sharing the details in a post on X, EAM appreciated the support of the members of the Parliament for the growth of India-Germany ties. He wrote on X, "A good interaction with members of German Bundestag this evening in Berlin. Appreciate their strong support for continued growth of India-Germany relations. Also discussed with them India's firm commitment of combatting terrorism in all forms and manifestations." Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar also chaired the regional conference of Ambassadors in Europe, where he discussed Operation Sindoor and India's message of zero tolerance for terrorism. EAM said that they also discussed on various aspects of further deepening engagements with Europe. He wrote on X, "Chaired the regional conference of our Ambassadors in Europe today in Berlin. We discussed #OpSindoor and our message of zero tolerance for terrorism. Also deliberated on various aspects of more deeply engaging Europe at a time of change." India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. Earlier during his visit to the Netherlands, EAM Jaishankar had highlighted India's resolve against terrorism. In an interview with Dutch daily de Volkskrant, EAM said, "We want a definitive end to terrorism. Our message is therefore: yes, the ceasefire has put an end to military actions against each other for now, but if the terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, there will be consequences. The Pakistanis must understand that very well." Jaishankar also held a productive meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday (local time) with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen to advance Indo-Danish relations. During the discussions, Jaishankar also lauded Denmark's solidarity and its support for India's fight against terrorism.
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
PM Modi congratulates Friedrich Merz on becoming German Chancellor, vows to strengthen strategic ties
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Friedrich Merz on assuming office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany and reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing the bilateral Strategic Partnership. Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: "Spoke to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism." Earlier on May 6, PM Modi also extended his greetings in a separate post on X, expressing his intent to work with Chancellor Merz closely. He wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership." PM Modi's outreach to Merz signals the continuity and further deepening of India-Germany relations, which have gained strategic momentum in recent years across sectors such as trade, green energy, defence, and education. India and Germany have consistently shared views on multilateralism, rules-based international order, and combating terrorism--an area PM Modi again highlighted in his message. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who officially took office on May 6, responded to his election by expressing gratitude and resolve. "I accept my election as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany with gratitude and respect for the task. I approach my work with courage and confidence. Because we are a strong country, and our country can do more!" Merz said. According to The New York Times, Merz secured the chancellorship after winning a second-chance vote in Parliament, recovering from an earlier defeat that had raised concerns about political instability. Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that he received 325 votes, with 289 lawmakers opposing his appointment. Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Merz has been active in politics since the 1970s as a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). After completing law and political science studies in Bonn and Marburg, Merz launched his political career in 1989 as a Member of the European Parliament. He later served in the German Bundestag from 1994 to 2009 and again from 2021 onward. Over the years, he has held significant positions including Chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and leader of the CDU in Germany since 2022.
