A ‘Zeitenwende’ in the India-Germany relationship

March 7, 2023

Context:

Chancellor Scholz visited India on February 25, 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, which he called a ‘Zeitenwende’ or turning point.

Watershed moment in Germany’s security policy:

Germany’s pledge to boost defence spending to 2% of GDP and provide special funding to bolster the country’s military.
Russia’s war and China’s assertive posturing have brought Germany’s approach of Wandel durch Handel (change through trade), prompting a deep rethink of its energy and trade dependencies towards diversifying economic relations.

Cooperation with India:

Europe’s focus on values-based partnerships can boost cooperation between India and Germany.
The India-Germany Inter-governmental Consultations cover areas like defence, trade, clean energy, and the Indo-Pacific.
Germany’s shift towards India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific is significant given its reliance on exports and the need for stable supply chains.
The country aims to enhance its strategic involvement in the region and has also agreed on triangular cooperation with India for development projects in third countries.

Defence links:

New Delhi attempts to diversify from its military dependence on Russia and Berlin reassesses its long-standing arms exports policy.
It could be around co-development of military hardware and tech transfers.
Besides, the first ever France-India-Germany military exercise drill is slated to take place in 2024 towards enhanced security and defence collaboration.
India and Germany also cooperate in multilateral forums, as part of the G-4 grouping pushing for United Nations Security Council reform.

Trade and technologies:

Germany is India’s largest economic partner in the European Union (EU).
Collaboration in clean energy and green technologies has emerged as the central pillar in the partnership.
The subject of mobility and migration was also under focus given Germany’s shortages of skilled manpower; where technically skilled Indians could help plug this gap.

Conclusion:

Against the backdrop of volatile geopolitical shifts, emerging multipolarity, and Europe’s enhanced courtship of India, India’s ties with Germany could be vital in shaping a new global order.

News Source: The Hindu