Philipp Ackermann, Germany’s ambassador to India, believes the recent elections will not alter Germany’s foreign policy or efforts to strengthen ties with India, despite the rise of the far-right AfD. He emphasizes the importance of legal migration for the economy, forecasting continued growth in the Indian workforce and trade relations. Ackermann also highlights India’s potential role in peace negotiations concerning the Ukraine crisis.
Philipp Ackermann, the German ambassador to India, expressed confidence that the recent German elections would not significantly shift foreign policy or hinder efforts to strengthen ties with India. He acknowledged the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party but emphasized that the new government would maintain focus on enhancing the partnership with India.
In an interview, Ackermann noted that the high voter turnout of 82.5% underscored the election’s importance for Germany’s future. He characterized the electoral outcome as challenging, especially with a far-right party garnering 20.8% of the vote, which complicates coalition dynamics. Speaker Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s chancellor candidate, aims for government formation by Easter, reflecting both ambition and complexity.
Ackermann indicated that a relatively stable consensus on foreign policy among major parties suggests continuity in relations with India. He highlighted the commitment to deepening ties as outlined in the previous government’s initiative, “Focus on India.” The ambassador stated expectations for a continued shift towards India, motivated partly by recent developments in the United States.
Focusing on migration, Ackermann clarified that there is no quota for legal migration, which Germany urgently needs, and acknowledged the psychological unease surrounding immigration issues. He predicted an increase in deportations of illegal immigrants while emphasizing the need for skilled labor in various sectors, fostering an environment supportive of legal mobility and Indian student visas.
With the current number of Indians in Germany rising to 280,000, the ambassador projected consistent growth in visa issuances, particularly for students enrolled in diverse fields. He reflected on positive experiences with Indian professionals across multiple sectors, reinforcing their welcome in the German workforce.
As bilateral trade exceeds $30 billion, there is growing interest in India as a destination for foreign investments. Ackermann anticipated continued investment in services, research and development, and production, which indicate a promising trajectory for future economic collaboration.
Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Ackermann noted the limited European role in negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of including Ukraine in discussions. He advocated for India’s potential role in peace negotiations, contingent on the expansion of the current negotiating framework, as India possesses a unique position to communicate credibly with both sides.
In summary, Germany’s recent elections are not expected to disrupt its foreign policy or the growing relationship with India. The German government will continue to value legal immigration and support Indian professionals and students. Furthermore, positive shifts in trade and investment opportunities signal a robust future for bilateral collaboration, while India is uniquely positioned to contribute to international peace efforts regarding the Ukraine crisis.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
