Following the nuclear tests in 1998, the Singh-Talbot talks provided the framework to shift India-US relations from an “detached democracy” to an “engaged democracy”. A comparable transformation is already underway between Germany and India, as can be seen from Germany’s “focus on India” policy. The move comes ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to New Delhi in October 2024, indicating a growing realization that India is not only a major regional actor but also an important partner in the global arena. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s 2022 statement, “Europe must get out of the mindset that its problems are the world’s problems,” strongly matches Germany’s stance, which aligns with a more pragmatic and multipolar world order.
Chancellor Scholz’s visit and growing partnership
Chancellor Scholze’s visit to India marks an important milestone in the growing India-German partnership. His agenda included the Asia-Pacific Summit of German Businesses in Delhi, where he and Prime Minister Modi spoke to senior industry leaders from both countries. With bilateral commerce set to reach a record high of EUR 30 billion in 2023 and strong German interest in India’s technology and manufacturing sectors, the summit provided an opportunity to transform economic engagement into long-term industrial cooperation. The visit furthered the green and sustainable partnership between India and Germany. Additionally, the two countries began celebrating the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership, providing a fitting backdrop for Scholz’s visit and demonstrating the maturity of the relationship. Scholz emphasized the contribution of Indian immigrants to Germany’s development and issued an India-specific skilled labor strategy.
A new feeling in the west
The release of two India-specific documents signals a post-Merkel era in India-German partnership. The tone and content of those two documents indicate a positive outlook towards India. The Scholz administration has praised the vibrancy of Indian democracy and avoided lecturing India. Germany’s strategic focus on India highlights three key themes underpinning India’s growing global status. First, the changing geopolitical landscape has led Germany and the West to view India not just as an occasional ally but as a strategic partner with lasting influence. This shift is captured in Germany’s recent “Focus on India” strategic document, signaling a shift from episodic cooperation to a committed partnership. The document highlighted India as a ‘central and active shaper of international politics’. The West is increasingly recognizing India’s ability to contribute strategically, reflecting a maturing relationship that is responsive rather than reactionary to shared global challenges. Like the United States’ shift in its India policy after 1998, Germany’s approach now highlights India’s role as a reliable partner in areas such as economic resilience, technology and sustainable development.
The identification of India as a “stabilizer” in the Indo-Pacific in the Focus on India document underlines the second major theme: India is an anchor of stability on regional and broader global issues. With growing concerns about China’s influence, Germany views India as essential to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Thus, recognizing India’s commitment to safeguard maritime security and maintain sovereignty. Chancellor Scholze’s recent visit to the German frigate Baden-Württemberg in Goa further emphasized this stance, highlighting the alignment between Germany’s Indo-Pacific vision and India’s security priorities. As India and Germany strengthen their ties in the Indo-Pacific, their partnership is moving beyond transactional goals to shared principles of mutual respect for independence and sovereignty. This reflects a fundamental shift in Germany’s approach to the Indo-Pacific. In 2020, the Indo-Pacific policy guidelines of the German government referred to India as ‘another Indo-Pacific partner’.
Finally, India’s unique position as a viable and reliable bridge in complex conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war is gaining international recognition. Unlike other major powers, India maintains open diplomatic channels with all stakeholders in the conflict, including the US, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. The recently concluded BRICS Plus summit in Kazan, Russia indicated that India holds the best geopolitical position globally. Germany’s acceptance of India’s neutral stance highlights the understanding that independence in decision-making and a focus on long-term relations shape Indian foreign policy. Unlike China, whose interests often differ from Western priorities, India promotes global stability rather than treating crises as mere transactions. This perception of India as a pragmatic yet empathetic bridge strengthens its credibility on the world stage and demonstrates its importance in dealing with geopolitical conflicts with sensitivity and credibility.
Together, these themes reveal a fundamental shift: moving from viewing Germany and the West as a regional ally to recognizing it as a strategic partner with the stabilization and mediating influence needed in today’s multipolar world. Have been.
Limitations and conclusions
Germany’s “Focus on India” policy marks a shift from distant, episodic relations with New Delhi to a stable, strategic cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty and values. However, while Germany acknowledges the importance of India, the tone of the policy—where Kashmir is subtly obscured on the map—hints at lingering sensitivities. Furthermore, the Focus on India document mentions the so-called “Global South” on three occasions. In the West this word is often viewed with disdain. On the contrary, New Delhi and more than 100 capitals around the world proudly recognize it. The dismissive tone associated with this term underlines the need to move forward jointly on the path of partnership.
Nevertheless, this development reflects Germany’s move from a Eurocentric view toward a realistic embrace of global multipolarity. By seeing India not just as a regional ally, but as a true partner, Germany aligns itself with the emerging world order. This alliance provides a historic opportunity for both countries to address shared challenges, promote economic growth and enhance stability amid global changes.
Abhishek Chaudhary is currently on academic leave to pursue a mid-career degree at Harvard Kennedy School. Aniket Bhavthankar Recipient of Konrad Adenauer Stittung’s Doctoral Fellowship.
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the authors
