India is not “closed to business from China”, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told a gathering of German diplomats and business leaders in Berlin on Tuesday.
“We are not closed to business from China. It’s the second-largest economy in the world and a leading manufacturer. The issue lies in which sectors we engage with and on what terms. It’s more complex than a simple black-and-white answer,” he said.
Dr Jaishankar, who arrived in Berlin from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after attending the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue, was addressing the Business Day of the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference of the German Foreign Office.
Addressed diplomatic community and business leaders at the annual Ambassadors’ Conference of @GermanyDiplo in Berlin.
Spoke of India’s significant transitions in infrastructure, digital, skills, technology and energy sectors. Highlighted emerging challenges and opportunities of… pic.twitter.com/zTgKzM9pmY
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 10, 2024
Speaking about the Ukraine conflict, Dr Jaishankar reiterated the Indian position that a lasting solution can only come through negotiations and dialogue.
“We don’t believe this conflict will be resolved on the battlefield. At some point, negotiations will be necessary. When that happens, the main parties — Russia and Ukraine — must be involved,” he said.
“We don’t think a solution will emerge from the battlefield. Negotiations are essential… If advice is needed, we are always willing to provide it,” he said, underlining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to both Kyiv and Moscow.
He also underlined the opportunities presented by India’s rapid transitions across key sectors such as infrastructure, digitalization, technology, and energy to German investors.
Referring to the rapidly changing global landscape, he stressed the importance of stronger India-German partnerships in tackling them.
“In a globalized existence, instability anywhere has consequences everywhere. It is untenable therefore for major nations to limit their horizons. But to act on that, it is necessary to forge partnerships and understandings,” he said.
Subsequently, during the formal discussions with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, the two ministers exchanged views on the state of the world –particularly Ukraine, Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region –as well as ways to ramp up the bilateral Strategic Partnership.
Held wide-ranging discussions with FM @ABaerbock in Berlin today.⁰⁰Took stock of India – Germany Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade and investment, green & sustainable development, skilled workers’ mobility, technology and defence & security.
Exchanged views on… pic.twitter.com/WC1XLzPwhk
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 10, 2024
“There is a strong focus on new and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, electric mobility, renewables etc. We believe that this can constitute new opportunities for India-Germany cooperation,” he said at the joint press meet with foreign minister Baerbock after their talks.
“Our interactions in defence and security have also increased. We held the first-ever air exercises this year. And we hope to welcome your naval ships in Goa next month. Our policy and other exchanges have been mutually beneficial. And we would like to explore how our defence industries can cooperate more closely,” he said.
Addressing the press alongside FM @ABaerbock in Berlin today.
🇮🇳 🇩🇪
https://t.co/SLldcZNBaq— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 10, 2024
“Our consultations as Minster Baerbock mentioned precede the impending meeting of the Inter-Governmental Consultations in India later this year. I think today’s session has been very very useful to prepare for that,” he concluded.
Other leaders that Dr Jaishankar met included Michael Roth, MP and Chairman of the
Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs.
(With Agency Inputs)
