New Delhi – German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, arrived in India on Friday for strategic discussions with Indian leaders, underscoring the evolving partnership between India and Germany. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared details of their dialogue, describing it as a “good conversation” covering key global challenges.
“A good conversation with German Vice Chancellor and Economic Affairs and Climate Action Minister Robert Habeck. Exchanged views on contemporary global challenges, both strategic and economic,” Jaishankar posted on social media platform X, reflecting on the meaningful dialogue.
In a display of Indo-German camaraderie, Habeck joined Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on a Delhi Metro journey to the YashoBhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka. As they traveled, Goyal discussed India’s efforts to create “future-ready cities” capable of managing growing urban demands, impressing upon Habeck the Indian government’s vision for sustainable urban development.
“Our effort is to create future-ready cities that are able to handle large volumes,” Goyal remarked, echoing India’s commitment to innovation in urban infrastructure.
At the Asia-Pacific Conference, Habeck emphasized India’s growing significance on the global stage, particularly as an economic and strategic partner for Germany. “India is one of the most important partners here in this region, but also in the world. We cannot…not to have an EU FTA (Free Trade Agreement). For this reason, there’s a great deal of willingness for myself,” he stated, underscoring Germany’s enthusiasm for strengthening economic ties through a potential EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indo-German collaboration, applauding Germany’s trust in India’s strategic vision and partnership. Modi highlighted the holistic approach both countries have taken to advance their partnership, which remains crucial in navigating global economic shifts.
“The approach and commitment to taking this strategic partnership forward in a holistic manner is clearly visible. Germany’s trust in India is amazing,” said Modi.
The Vice Chancellor’s visit aligns with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s two-day state visit to India, marking Scholz’s third official visit since assuming office. Scholz’s recent engagements include a bilateral visit in February and his attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September, underscoring the growing significance of Indo-German relations.
These diplomatic engagements reflect a strong mutual commitment, highlighting both nations’ efforts to deepen ties across economic, strategic, and cultural domains.
