Strengthening India-Europe Ties
Amid escalating tensions on various foreign policy fronts, high-level diplomatic visits between India and European nations are underway, signaling efforts to bolster India-Europe relations.
High-Level Visits and Upcoming Events
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was the first significant leader to visit Delhi as part of these efforts.
- Preparations for the EU-India Summit are ongoing, with the Presidents of the European Commission and Council expected to attend India's Republic Day parade.
- Plans for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, focusing on the AI summit in February, are being finalized.
Key Discussions and Agreements
The meeting between Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad covered several critical areas:
- Trade Agreement: Discussions reaffirmed ongoing talks with the EU for a long-awaited trade agreement, with Germany playing a key role as the EU's largest economy.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Exchanges included discussions on global geopolitical issues, particularly actions by the US.
- Business and Investments: Both leaders attended a business council meeting, advocating for increased investments as trade between India and Germany is projected to surpass $50 billion in 2024-25.
Joint Declarations of Interest (JDI) and MoUs
While the discussions were substantive, the outcomes mainly consisted of JDIs and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):
- Several JDIs emphasized strategic cooperation, including a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap promoting collaborations in defense equipment.
Areas of Divergence
- Ukraine War: India and Germany differ on the Ukraine conflict, with Europe urging India to reduce its ties with Russia, leading to some tension.
- Indo-Pacific Dialogue: Despite hopes for a closer dialogue, Germany's trade with China remains significant, complicating diversification efforts.
- Ariha Shah Case: Differences persist over the custody of a five-year-old Indian child, Ariha Shah, with ongoing tensions regarding her upbringing in Germany.
