EAM Jaishankar, German MP Hardt discuss West Asia, Ukraine conflict and bilateral ties
New Delhi, Aug 14
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with German MP Jurgen Hardt in New Delhi on Friday, discussing developments related to West Asia, Ukraine and the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Germany's new Ambassador to India, Jasper Wieck, also attended the meeting. Hardt is also the foreign policy spokesperson for CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag.
"A pleasure to meet Jurgen Hardt, Foreign Policy spokesperson, CDU-CSU. Our conversation covered recent developments pertaining to the Gulf, West Asia, Ukraine and the India-German Strategic Partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on X following the meeting.
Germany is one of India's most important partners in Europe. India was one of the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with Germany after the Second World War in 1951. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The strategic partnership between India and Germany is based on the Agenda for the Indo-German Partnership in the 21st Century, which was adopted in May 2000 and updated by further joint declarations, such as the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement of 2022, a German Federal Foreign Office statement details.
On Thursday, Jasper Wieck said that he wants to serve as a "matchmaker, enabler and catalyst" to take friendship between India and Germany to a new level.
In a video posted on X, Wieck recalled his first visit to India when he was a student. He later served as the Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy. He also spoke about meeting the Embassy team in New Delhi and described them as a "true engine" behind the operations carried out by the mission.
"For me, coming to India is like coming home. I am an old friend of India. I first came to India 35 years ago. I was still a student, immediately I felt thrilled by the country and its people. Many years later, together with Cordula, I returned to India as Deputy Head of the German Embassy. We have fond memories of these years. And here we are again. We have just arrived from Berlin. On my first day, I met with the entire Embassy team. They are the true engine behind our operations," Wieck said in the video.
He stated that it is an honour for him to serve as Germany's Ambassador to India and that the Indian diaspora is growing in Germany while the German investments are increasing in India.
"Once I have presented my credentials in the coming weeks, I want to serve as a matchmaker, as an enabler, and as a catalyst to bring the Indo-German friendship to a new level. We are building new bridges between our nations every day. The Indian diaspora in Germany is growing as the German investments in India. In these dynamic times, it's a great honour to serve as the German Ambassador to India, together with the entire Embassy team and our four general consulates across the country," said Wieck.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The new German ambassador seems genuinely enthusiastic about India. His comment about coming home after 35 years is heartwarming. This kind of personal connection between diplomats can really strengthen bilateral ties.
Strategic partnership with Germany is important, but I wish India would take a clearer stance on Ukraine. We keep saying dialogue and diplomacy, but what concrete action are we taking? Respectfully, we need to move beyond just talks.
Interesting that Germany sees India as a key partner. The growing Indian diaspora in Germany and German investments here are proof of deepening ties. 75 years of diplomatic relations is a milestone worth celebrating! 🎉
Germany has always been a reliable partner for India, from trade to technology collaborations. These diplomatic meetings are essential, especially when there are global crises like Ukraine and West Asia tensions. Hoping for more concrete outcomes from these discussions.
As someone who follows global diplomacy, I think India's balancing act between Russia and the West is strategic. Jaishankar's engagement with Germany is smart - maintaining ties with all major powers while pursuing India's interests. Well played.
The ambassador's video message was so sincere! "True engine behind operations" - nice to see diplomats appreciating their embassy staff.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.