A ‘Zeitenwende’ in the India-Germany relationship

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.

A ‘Zeitenwende’ in the India-Germany relationship 7 Mar 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 

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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