German Elections Will Not Affect India-Germany Relations: Ambassador Ackermann

The German elections’ outcomes, including the AfD’s rise, will not affect foreign policy or strengthen ties with India, according to Ambassador Philipp Ackermann. With a significant voter turnout and coalition challenges looming, the new government is focused on enhancing partnerships with India and maintaining a favorable atmosphere for legal migration, especially for skilled Indian workers.

Philipp Ackermann, the German ambassador to India, stated that the outcomes of the recent German elections, particularly the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, will not influence the nation’s foreign policy. He emphasized that efforts to strengthen ties with India will persist under the new government. Ackermann remarked on the importance of balancing legal migration while managing public concern surrounding immigration in Germany, which has seen positive experiences with Indian professionals and students.

In an interview, Ackermann noted that voter turnout in the recent elections was notably high at 82.5%, indicating the significance assigned to the results. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising AfD and the resulting limitations on coalition options for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He expressed that discussions in the German parliament may be more complex moving forward due to the new political landscape.

Ackermann explained that, while the far-right has emerged, there remain crucial “firewalls” in Germany to manage interactions with such parties. The CDU has explicitly ruled out collaborating with the AfD, narrowing possible coalition combinations. He indicated that the new government, led by Friedrich Merz, will likely strive for prompt coalition negotiations, aiming for a smoother transition by Easter, albeit with formal challenges in negotiation procedures.

On foreign policy, Ackermann conveyed that a consensus exists among the major German political parties, positing minimal changes ahead. He reassured that the previous government’s approach towards India and prioritizing partnerships, exemplified in the “Focus on India” document, would endure under Merz’s administration. This continuity in foreign relations includes continuing to foster economic ties despite rising global tensions, particularly concerning US trade policies.

While there are concerns surrounding immigration due to the AfD’s influence, Ackermann affirmed that the new government anticipates no restrictions on legal immigration, particularly for Indian professionals. He acknowledged a nationwide need for skilled migrants and reiterated Germany’s ongoing commitment to fostering legal pathways for migration while addressing public anxiety regarding illegal immigration.

The German ambassador reported an increasing number of Indian students choosing to study in Germany, with figures rising from 260,000 to 280,000. The current visa regime remains favorable, with annual increases in visa issuance for Indian nationals ranging from 5% to 15%. This upward trend underscores Germany’s welcoming stance toward the Indian workforce, which contributes positively to various sectors.

Considering the trade dynamics, the bilateral trade between Germany and India has exceeded $30 billion, reflecting a growing interest from German businesses in investing in India. Ackermann noted a rise in various investments and a renewed commitment from medium-sized companies to engage with the Indian market, particularly in service and research operations, amid global market challenges.

In conclusion, the German elections, particularly the rise of the AfD, will not sway the nation’s foreign policy, ensuring that the partnership with India will continue to flourish. Despite public concerns about migration, the new government remains committed to providing legal avenues for skilled professionals and fostering economic ties, signifying a robust relationship ahead. The increase in Indian students and the continuing trade growth highlight the promising future of Indo-German cooperation.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com