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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-day visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation, signifies a strategic shift in Germany's foreign policy, driven by economic and geopolitical concerns. Germany, grappling with the economic fallout of the Ukrainian war and China's growing dominance, sees India as a potential alternative partner in trade and regional security.
The visit underscores Germany's desire to diversify its global supply chains and reduce reliance on China. While acknowledging the complexity of disentangling existing global networks, German Ambassador to India, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, highlights Germany's increasing interest in India as a manufacturing and trade hub. This sentiment is reflected in the participation of 800 German CEOs at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Delhi, aiming to boost bilateral trade, currently only a tenth of Germany's trade volume with China.
Beyond economic relations, the visit focuses on strengthening military cooperation. Germany has increased its strategic military collaboration with India, including supporting the tender for German submarines and joint exercises with the Indian Air Force. This visit could pave the way for deeper defense production ties, aligning with India's defense self-reliance goals.
The visit also addresses the critical issue of migration, with Germany actively seeking to attract skilled labor from India. This initiative builds upon the existing presence of 50,000 Indian students in German universities, the largest non-German group. Germany's commitment to attract and retain Indian talent reflects its recognition of the value they bring to the German economy and society.
Chancellor Scholz's message is clear: Germany seeks to elevate its partnership with India to a new level, encompassing defense, education, business, and regional security. The visit aims to solidify the burgeoning relationship between these two major economies, reflecting a broader geopolitical shift as Germany seeks to navigate a complex global landscape.
Source: What Will Come Out Of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Visit to India?