Despite the rise of the AfD in German elections, Ambassador Philipp Ackermann affirms that Germany’s relations with India will remain unaffected. He emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance ties, balancing legal migration with public concerns over immigration. The new government is expected to continue previous policies encouraging Indian immigration and trade, with optimistic projections for bilateral business growth and student enrollment in Germany.
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann stated that the recent German elections, despite the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), will not alter the nation’s foreign policy focus on strengthening ties with India. He emphasized that legal migration is crucial, even as there exists a psychological unease regarding overall immigration in Germany. Moreover, he highlighted Germany’s positive experiences with Indian workers and students, reflecting a commitment to enhance bilateral relations.
Ackermann noted that this election held significant importance as evidenced by the 82.5% voter turnout. He expressed concern about the AfD’s strong showing and its implications for parliamentary discussions, stating that the traditional “firewall” against extreme right parties in Germany is particularly robust due to historical contexts. Coalition-building is expected to be challenging as the leading Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has ruled out collaborations with the AfD.
The ambassador shared insights about the likely outcome of coalition negotiations led by CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, who aims to form a new government by Easter. He indicated that, despite the challenges, a relative consensus remains among major parties regarding foreign policy, particularly in maintaining the focus on India established by the previous government.
Looking ahead, he suggested the new German government would place emphasis on progressing free trade agreements and continue to advocate for legal migration. The need for legal workers in various sectors, including healthcare and IT, is increasing, with migration laws remaining liberal. Ackermann acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration and indicated a possible uptick in deportations for those without legal status.
Growth in the number of Indian students in Germany continues, with current figures reaching 280,000, marking an increase from 260,000 in 2023. There is a consistent rise in visa issuance, showcasing substantial interest from Indian nationals in studying and working in Germany. The ambassador emphasized the favorable experiences employers have had with the Indian workforce, enhancing the demand for Indian professionals.
Trade between India and Germany has exceeded $30 billion, and upcoming business conferences are likely to further boost investment interests within India. Although mega investments may be limited, sectors like services, research, and development are expected to receive increasing attention.
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Ackermann highlighted the importance of ensuring Ukraine’s involvement in peace negotiations. He asserted that Europe’s substantial investments in Ukraine must also allow European nations a seat at the negotiating table. Despite current restricted formats, India could play a pivotal role in facilitating communication between parties, provided that negotiations expand to include broader stakeholders.
In summary, the German elections are not expected to impact diplomatic ties with India significantly. The new government will likely continue to pursue enhanced cooperation, particularly in trade and migration. Ambassador Ackermann emphasized the importance of balancing legal migration needs against public unease and reaffirmed the positive relationship between Germany and Indian professionals, students, and businesses as a benefit to both economies.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
