India, Germany push for early EU trade pact

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Tuesday placed emphasis on concluding the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by autumn and strengthening cooperation against terrorism.

At a joint press interaction here, Jaishankar said Germany had shown “great understanding” of India’s fight against terrorism, noting that Berlin had been clear in supporting New Delhi’s right to defend its people from terror attacks.

“Wadephul has himself been explicit about our right to defend our people against terrorist attacks,” Jaishankar said, recalling that an Indian parliamentary delegation was warmly received in Germany after Operation Sindoor earlier this year.

Wadephul reaffirmed that support, declaring, “When it comes to India defending itself against terrorism, Germany continues to be firmly at your side.”

Alongside security, both ministers underlined the urgency of concluding the EU-India FTA negotiations, stalled for over a decade but revived in 2022. “It is in our mutual interest that we lower tariffs and expand business and economic cooperation… we would like this to move to a decisive conclusion in the coming days. This would help stabilise the global economy,” Jaishankar said. Wadephul added that while both sides had “homework” to do, the political will was clear.

The talks also covered defence ties, with the two sides agreeing to continue and expand Germany’s participation in joint military exercises and port calls, backed by smoother clearances and industry collaboration. “There has been an uptick in our defence and security cooperation,” Jaishankar said, citing Germany’s participation in the 'Tarang Shakti' air exercises and naval visits to Goa.

On the economic side, the ministers said the bilateral trade had reached nearly 50 billion euros last year and could be doubled in the coming years. Semiconductors, green energy and skilled mobility were highlighted as key growth areas, with Jaishankar praising Germany’s skilled labour strategy. Wadephul stressed the need to make market access easier for companies on both sides.

Both ministers also exchanged views on global hotspots, including Ukraine, West Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Wadephul welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Berlin hoped India would use its ties with Moscow to push for peace in Ukraine. He also outlined Germany’s position on China, describing it as simultaneously a partner, competitor and “systemic rival,” while cautioning against confrontation.

The two sides further discussed climate change cooperation under their Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, new areas such as space and digital technologies and education exchanges. India is now the largest source of foreign students in Germany.

Jaishankar underlined that in a world of “economic volatility and political uncertainty”, multipolar consultations between India and Germany were crucial.