Delhi and Berlin, stability amid turbulence, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India to strengthen partnerships between democratic powers amidst global instability.
• Discussions centered on the changing global order, with emphasis on German support for the India-EU FTA.
• Bilateral trade has reached nearly $51 billion, constituting a quarter of India’s trade with the EU.
• Both countries aim to enhance technology cooperation, addressing the weaponization of critical technologies.
• A defence industrial cooperation roadmap, including discussions on submarines, is under development.
• Cooperation in green hydrogen was deepened with a long-term off-take agreement for green ammonia.
• 27 outcomes resulted from the visit, including 19 MOUs, signaling strengthened relations.

Detailed Insights:

• The visit underscored a shared conviction in New Delhi and Berlin that partnerships between democratic powers must be strengthened.
• Chancellor Merz acknowledged the erosion of global stability and the growing fragility of international arrangements.
• Both leaders stressed the importance of protecting economic resilience and avoiding dangerous one-sided dependencies.
• Germany is now processing export clearances more efficiently, clearing the backlog and signaling a more flexible security policy towards India.
• India has clarified that its defence sourcing decisions are driven by national interest and operational requirements.
• Cooperation in green hydrogen was deepened through the announcement of a long-term off-take agreement for green ammonia.
• Friedrich Merz welcomed Indian students and skilled professionals, acknowledging their political and economic significance.
• Discussions included the Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing dialogue and practical coordination.

Key Concepts Involved:

• India-EU FTA: A trade agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers between India and the European Union.
• Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, considered a clean energy carrier.
• Weaponization of Technology: The use of technology for strategic or offensive purposes, often in geopolitical contexts.