German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, arrives in Bengaluru on Tuesday morning to commence a two-day official visit to India. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit is scheduled to take place from September 2 to September 3.
He described India as a “key partner in the Indo-Pacific” ahead of his official visit.
Wadephul said ties between the two countries are close “politically, economically, culturally” and highlighted scope for deeper cooperation. “The expansion of our strategic partnership has much potential: from security cooperation to innovation and technology to recruiting skilled workers,” he said.
The minister will begin his trip in Bengaluru, where he will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation, before flying to Delhi later the same day.
On September 3, he will meet Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Wadephul underscored India’s growing global role. “India’s voice, that of the world’s most populous country and largest democracy, is also heard beyond the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. That is why I am travelling today for talks,” he said.
He stressed that both countries share democratic values and must work together to preserve global stability.
“India plays a decisive role in shaping the international order of our century. We as democracies are natural partners in this. In view of massive geopolitical challenges, we want and must preserve the rules-based international order together.”
The visit comes as Germany looks to strengthen economic and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, expand technology partnerships and recruit skilled workers from India.
It also follows External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s talks with Germany’s MP Jurgen Hardt in New Delhi.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Germany is one of India’s closest partners in Europe. Diplomatic ties date back to 1951 and the two sides marked 70 years of relations in 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have met six times in the past two years, underlining the strength of the partnership.
– Ends
WIth inputs from ANI