Sansad TV Perspective: German Chancellor in India

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic: ‘German Chancellor in India’

Anchor: Teena Jha

Participants:

1.  Gurjit Singh, Former Ambassador
2. Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation
3. Aditi Bhaduri, Founding Editor, International Affairs Review

Context: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits India.

Highlights of the Discussion:

1. Introduction
2. Significance of the visit
3. Bilateral Talks
4. Germany’s stance on Ukraine war
5. Germany’s interest in Indo-Pacific

Introduction:

• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited India for a 2 day visit and held wide ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Prior to meeting PM Modi, he was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• This is his first visit to India since taking over as German Chancellor in 2021. 
• During talks with the Prime Minister, the German Chancellor called the Russia-Ukraine war a major catastrophe, expressing hope that the G20 under India’s presidency will address the global implications of the war that has now entered its second year. 
• On the bilateral front, extensive discussions took place on important issues of mutual interest.

Significance of this visit:

• This is Scholz’s first visit to India after becoming Germany’s Chancellor.It is also the first standalone visit of a German Chancellor since the biennial inter-governmental consultation (IGC) mechanism was established in 2011.
• Germany is India’s largest trading partner in the European Union, and the two countries have strong economic ties. As Chancellor, Scholz’s policies and decisions on trade and investment will have an impact on India-Germany economic relations.
• Scholz has emphasised the importance of taking action on climate change, and has pledged to make Germany carbon neutral by 2045. India is also a key player in the global effort to combat climate change, and the two countries have an opportunity to work together to address this issue.
• India and Germany have a long history of cultural exchange.The two countries share a commitment to democracy and human rights, and there is potential for further cooperation in areas such as education and cultural exchange.
• Germany considers India as a stabilising force and expects India’s assistance in finding peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war.
  • PM Modi at a joint press briefing insisted on resolving the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and diplomacy and said that India is ready to contribute to any peace process.
• Both India and Germany are strong proponents of reforming multilateral organisations, such as the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to better reflect the changing global political and economic landscape. A strong relation with Germany can help India’s candidature to the United Nation Security Council’s permanent membership..

Bilateral Talks:

• Bilateral talks focused on expanding cooperation in the areas of trade, defence, clean energy, climate change and new technologies.
• The Chancellor’s visit comes after a year of renewed engagement between India and Germany.
• Germany is India’s largest trade partner in the European Union and has consistently been among India’s top ten global trade partners. It is also one of the largest foreign direct investors in India.
  • Germany is the ninth largest investor in India, with cumulative foreign direct investment inflows of $13.8 billion from April 2000 to September 2022.
• Germany showed interest in opportunities opening up in all sectors in India due to the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaign.
• Scholz was accompanied by a business delegation that included CEOs of 12 major companies counting Siemens and SAP, as well as heads of Germany’s small and medium-sized business associations. 
• The business delegation from Germany and Indian business leaders had a successful meeting, and signed several important agreements.
• Industry leaders of both countries gave crucial suggestions on topics such as Digital Transformation, FinTech, IT, Telecom, and Diversification of Supply Chains.
• India and Germany are increasing mutual cooperation under the Triangular Development Cooperation for the development of third countries. 
• In the last few years, the People-to-people relations between us have also strengthened. And this relationship will be further deepened with the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed in December 2022.
• Through the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership announced in 2022, both countries are expanding cooperation in the areas of Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goals.
• In the fight against terrorism and separatism, there is active cooperation between India and Germany. Both the countries also agreed that concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism.

Germany’s stance on Ukraine war:

• Germany has been an active participant in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine since it began in 2014. The German government has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has been involved in diplomatic efforts to achieve this goal. Germany has also played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the Minsk agreements, which are intended to bring an end to the conflict.
• The German government has taken a firm stance on Russian aggression in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Germany has imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, and has also provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
• At the same time, Germany has emphasised the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving the conflict. The German government has been involved in numerous diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing the parties to the negotiating table, including the Normandy Format talks between Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France.
• Germany has also supported efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s democratic institutions and promote economic development in the country. Germany has been a major contributor to the EU’s financial assistance to Ukraine, and has also provided technical assistance in areas such as energy efficiency and agriculture.
• Germany has also seen rallies and strikes against the war and the rising cost of living. However, Germany’s longer-term strategy  reflects strong support for an anti-Russia front. 

Read more on India’s stand on Russia-Ukraine war

Germany’s increased interest in Indo-Pacific region:

• Germany’s interest in the Indo-Pacific region has increased in recent years, driven by a combination of economic, political, and strategic factors. 
• The Indo-Pacific region is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and represents a significant market for German exports. 
  • Germany wants to diversify its trade relationships and reduce its reliance on traditional markets in Europe and North America, making the Indo-Pacific an attractive destination for German businesses.
• The Indo-Pacific region is also of strategic importance to Germany, as it is a key node in global trade and a focus of geopolitical competition between major powers such as China and the United States. Germany is seeking to assert its influence in the region and promote a rules-based international order that supports its interests.
• Germany is also concerned about security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, including maritime security and the potential for conflict. Germany has an interest in promoting stability and security in the region, and is exploring ways to contribute to regional security efforts.
• The Indo-Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and more frequent and severe weather events. Germany is seeking to promote sustainable development in the region and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.

Read more on India-Germany Relations

Read all the previous Sansad TV Perspective articles in the link.

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