New Delhi, September 3 (HS): External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held bilateral talks on Wednesday with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The two leaders reviewed a wide spectrum of areas of collaboration, with a focus on green hydrogen, semiconductors, global and regional security, and strengthening strategic consultation and cooperation.

Emphasizing the importance of autonomy and a multipolar world, Dr. Jaishankar underlined that in the context of trade tensions such as U.S. tariff wars, it was crucial for India to work more closely with Germany and the European Union. Discussions also revolved around climate change, economic partnership, defense cooperation, technological innovation, education, skills training, and mobility, alongside pressing international issues such as the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East crisis, the Indo-Pacific, and broader global instability.

At a joint press briefing following the talks, Jaishankar pointed out that the world today is confronted by two major challenges—economic uncertainty and political unpredictability. He asserted that maintaining a multipolar world order, upholding strategic autonomy, and fostering deeper dialogue and cooperation among nations were the best ways to address these crises. The minister stressed the shared interest of both sides in lowering tariffs, saying such measures had become all the more imperative in the current global environment.

He also expressed hope that the long-negotiated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be concluded soon, urging a fresh round of discussions to accelerate progress toward a decisive conclusion. This is in our mutual interest and will contribute to stabilising the global economy, Jaishankar said. Minister Wadephul assured India that Germany would extend full support to the India-EU FTA.

Jaishankar also conveyed appreciation for Germany’s understanding of India’s fight against terrorism, notably praising Berlin’s unequivocal support for India’s right to self-defense. Referring to the wider strategic ties, the minister noted that Germany had welcomed Indian delegations warmly following Operation Sindoor.

The talks also addressed the sensitive case of Ariha Shah, an Indian child in German foster care. Jaishankar underscored the need to safeguard the child’s cultural rights and ensure her upbringing in an Indian environment, appealing for expeditious resolution of the matter.

Highlighting ongoing cooperation in climate and energy, Jaishankar recalled projects under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, including the Nagpur Metro, green energy corridors across five states, and an integrated water transport project in Kochi. He identified semiconductor manufacturing as an especially promising sector for collaboration, welcoming German investment and skill partnerships.

The minister lauded Germany’s model of talent development and mobility, describing it as highly effective. Marking 50 years of Indo-German cooperation in science, he stressed the importance of deepening research ties and linking them more robustly with industry. He also emphasized the need to expand cooperation in cybersecurity, digital dialogue, and space exploration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar