German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, conveying appreciation for India’s call to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He said both countries have taken important steps to strengthen their strategic partnership across multiple sectors, including security and defence, economy and trade, as well as skilled labour.
“Had great talks with Narendra Modi today. Our countries have taken good steps to expand our strategic partnership across the board, particularly in security and defence, economy and trade as well as skilled labour. We also greatly appreciate India’s call for a ceasefire in Ukraine,” Wadephul wrote on X after the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Wadephul held detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. Both leaders supported deeper collaboration in areas such as industry linkages, talent mobility, digital technologies, semiconductors and critical technologies.
EAM Jaishankar said he valued Germany’s strong support for closer India-European Union ties and its proactive push for the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“Held detailed discussions on our bilateral agenda as we prepare for the next round of Inter-Governmental Consultations to be held in India. Explored greater collaboration in furthering industry linkages, talent mobility, digital, semiconductors and critical technologies. Appreciate Germany’s strong advocacy for closer India-EU ties and proactive push in concluding the FTA. Also exchanged views on our multilateral cooperation and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, situation in Middle East/West Asia and the Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Wadephul arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday after completing engagements in Bengaluru. In a Facebook statement, he described India as a “key strategic partner” for Germany and referred to “tech hub Bengaluru” as the “turbine of economic powerhouse.”
“India is not only the largest democracy and most populous country in the world, but also a key strategic partner for Germany – politically, scientifically, culturally and economically. Tech hub Bangalore is the turbine of this economic powerhouse. During my visit to the million metropolis yesterday, this was felt at every corner. This is where technology, innovation and knowledge exchange go hand in hand. Businesses and people benefit from it – in India as well as in Germany,” the statement read.
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Wadephul also noted progress in German-Indian cooperation in technology. “What this means is particularly clear here in Bangalore: In the largest development centre of Mercedes-Benz outside Germany, over 8,500 people are working on innovations of tomorrow. I was able to open the new Experience Centre at the SAP campus – a strong signal for the German-Indian technology partnership,” he said.
During his Bengaluru visit, Wadephul toured the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellite test centre and the Indian Institute of Science. He observed that India is making significant investments in research and high technology, while also fostering cooperation with Germany.
He further highlighted growing people-to-people ties, citing Germany’s role as a destination for Indian professionals and students.
“At the same time, encounters with German learners at Goethe-Institute and with staff of the Consulate General show how many highly qualified specialists from India are interested in Germany – as a place of work and study. Over 64,000 visa applications were filed in Bangalore in 2024 alone. Knowledge of German, training and openness are the key so that we can utilise this potential. Our task: create the right framework – for professionals, students, companies and joint innovation,” Wadephul said.
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