The Indo-Pacific, with India at its center, is a major factor in Germany’s foreign policy.
A military ship might not be your first thought when it comes to Germany’s role in India. Nevertheless, against all COVID odds and with proper health precautions, the German Navy warship Bayern Landed in Mumbai on Thursday, January 20, 2022. a port call (Picture) which may be business as usual for India in relation to many other friendly countries, on closer inspection, is a remarkable step forward for Indo-German relations.
setting up a new order
Germany has realized that the world’s political and economic center of gravity is largely shifting to the Indo-Pacific region, with India as a major player, strategic partner and long-standing democratic friend in the hub. This is where an important part of the future international order is taking shape. visit Bayern Shows we’re not just talking. Here is a concrete result of the Indo-Pacific policy guidelines that Germany adopted in autumn 2020 and the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy published last year. So why did we come up with such guidelines at this particular time?
Germany is committed to contributing to the strengthening of the rules-based international order at a time when it faces serious challenges. For Europe, like India, it is important that trade routes remain open, freedom of navigation is upheld, and disputes are resolved peacefully based on international law. India is a maritime superpower and a strong supporter of free and inclusive trade – and therefore, a primary partner of that mission.
challenges
The Indo-Pacific, with India at its center, is a major figure in the foreign policy of Germany and the European Union. Why? The Indo-Pacific region is home to approximately 65% of the global population and 20 of the world’s 33 megacities. The region accounts for 62% of global GDP and 46% of the world’s merchandise trade. On the other hand, it is also the source of more than half of all global carbon emissions. This makes countries in the region key partners in tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainable energy production and consumption.
Germany is as much a trading country as India. More than 20% of German business is conducted in the Indo-Pacific neighbourhood. This is why Germany and India share the responsibility of maintaining and supporting stability, prosperity and freedom in this part of the world. Europe’s core interests are at stake while supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
BayernThe seven-month journey in this region is coming full circle in India. Even before its first port call, the Indian Navy “greeted” Bayern On the high seas and our troops conducted a joint passing exercise – a strong and warm welcome for Germany to India in the region. After visiting Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore and other countries in the region, the last station before Mumbai is Bayern Returns to Germany sets course. Our message is of cooperation and inclusivity. But inclusivity does not mean blind equality. We will not stand when the multilateral system is challenged and when the law of power over the power of the law is tried. Bayern The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union Mission Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean and Operation Atlanta in the Arabian Sea – formally the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) participated in Somalia. On his way from Tokyo to Busan, he helped oversee UN sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
chance of rapprochement
Olaf Scholz took over the reins of the German government in December 2021, 16 years after Angela Merkel’s chancellorship. During their inaugural talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he agreed that as major democracies and strategic partners, India and Germany would advance their cooperation. Tackle common challenges while keeping climate change at the top of the agenda.
No global problem can be solved without India’s active participation. This year, Germany will preside over the G7, and from December 2022, India will assume a similar role for the G20. This is an opportunity for joint and coordinated action.
I am particularly convinced of one aspect of our relationship: Germany cooperates with India in development projects amounting to €1.3 billion per year, 90% of which will help fight climate change, along with saving natural resources. Works with the aim of promoting clean and green. energy. No country gets more support from Germany than India. What world leaders agreed upon at COP26 in Glasgow, Germany and India is being put into practice. Together we work on a sustainable path for India’s development that will benefit both our countries. For example, we have been supporting the construction of a huge solar plant in Dhule (Sakri), Maharashtra. With a capacity of 125 MW, it serves 2,20,000 households and generates annual CO2 savings of 155,000 tonnes.
As India celebrates 75 years of independence, this visit signifies friendship and cooperation. We are moving towards a powerful partnership in calm waters and heavy seas alike. And hopefully, we will exceed your expectations every time.
Walter J. Lindner is the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to India. Prior to this, he was Foreign Secretary of Germany as well as Ambassador to South Africa, Kenya and Venezuela
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