Philipp Ackermann, the German ambassador, stated that the recent German elections, including the rise of the far-right AfD, will not affect foreign policy strategies towards India. The emphasis will remain on strengthening bilateral relations, managing legal migration, and promoting economic collaboration. With two-way trade exceeding $30 billion, positive investment trends between the two countries are expected to persist.
Philipp Ackermann, the German ambassador to India, stated that the recent German elections, including the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, will not influence the nation’s foreign policy direction towards India. He emphasized that the new government will maintain its commitment to strengthening ties with India despite the electoral challenges faced domestically.
In a recent interview, Mr. Ackermann highlighted the significance of the elections, noting an 82.5% voter turnout and the first-time presence of AfD securing 20.8% of the votes, indicating a need for careful coalition-building among parties. He articulated that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and AfD partnership is not feasible, insisting on a ‘firewall’ within German politics against far-right movements due to historical contexts.
The ambassador expressed optimism regarding continuity in foreign policy, suggesting that the focus established under the previous government towards enhancing relations with India would persist. Mr. Ackermann stressed that the incoming government will likely further prioritize cooperation with India, especially regarding trade and economic ties.
Regarding migration policies, he clarified that while legal migration will be encouraged to meet labor market demands, there must also be an effort to manage illegal immigration more strictly. Mr. Ackermann reaffirmed that the Indian workforce is well-regarded in Germany, and the number of Indian professionals and students entering Germany is on the rise.
As the two-way trade between India and Germany exceeds $30 billion, Mr. Ackermann noted an increasing interest from German businesses in investing in India. He indicated a trend towards more investments in services, research, development, and production, which he suggested would continue positively in the future.
Finally, on the topic of the Ukraine crisis, he pointed out Europe’s potential role in negotiations and India’s unique position to contribute effectively. He remains hopeful that as the framework of negotiations evolves, India may play a vital role in facilitating peace discussions in the region.
In conclusion, the German elections will not alter the trajectory of Germany-India relations, according to Ambassador Philipp Ackermann. He emphasized the importance of continuing legal migration, enhancing economic ties, and fostering collaboration despite rising challenges, including the influence of the AfD. With a positive outlook on trade and investment, Ackermann highlighted the growing importance of India in Germany’s foreign policy moving forward.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
