India - Germany Relations

Germany's newly elected government under Friedrich Merz has explicitly stated India will play a major role in its foreign policy. This marks a strategic shift amid global geopolitical realignments (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war, strained China-EU ties).

India’s Mention in German Coalition Pact:

  • For the first time, India is directly named in Germany’s coalition agreement, the foundational policy document of the government.
  • This implies a priority partnership across defense, trade, and diplomacy.
Militant Attack in Pahalgam

What are Geopolitics?

Geopolitics is the study of how geography (location, resources, borders, etc.) influences politics, power dynamics, and international relations between countries.

 

Key Elements of Geopolitics:

  1. Location – e.g., India’s position in the Indian Ocean gives it maritime advantage.
  2. Borders – disputes like India–China (LAC), India–Pakistan (LoC) are geopolitical.
  3. Natural Resources – oil in the Middle East shapes global geopolitics.
  4. Military Strategy – bases, alliances (like NATO, QUAD) are part of geopolitical planning.
  5. Power Balance – USA–China rivalry, Russia–Ukraine conflict are geopolitical struggles.

Examples:

Russia-Ukraine War – shows how Russia’s desire for strategic land access influences its actions.

India's Look East / Act East Policy – uses geography to deepen ties with Southeast Asia.

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – uses trade routes and infrastructure to expand its geopolitical influence.

Strategic Importance of India to Germany:

  • Economic Factor: India is a fast-growing economy; a natural partner for Germany’s export-driven model.
  • Geopolitical Factor: India’s democratic credentials make it a crucial ally in the Indo-Pacific against authoritarian regimes.
  • Defense Cooperation: Germany is increasing defense ties — joint exercises, tech sharing, maritime security.

India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

  • A long-pending agreement; Germany is now actively supporting it behind the scenes.
  • EU and India are aiming for a substantial agreement by end of 2025.
  • Germany, being EU’s largest economy, plays a crucial role in building consensus.

Technological & Climate Cooperation:

  • Germany and India are aligning on climate change, AI, cybersecurity, and green technologies.
  • These areas reflect both nations’ interest in sustainable development and digital transformation.