Germany and India - bilateral relations

India and Germany: The Political partnership has a long history

(© bpa)

Following World War II, India was the first country to end the state of war with Germany. India was also among the first to grant diplomatic recognition to the Federal Republic of Germany. It demonstrated sympathy and support for German reunification. India and Germany are important partners on the international stage – from combatting terrorism via the reform of the United Nations to the international protection of the environment.

In recent years, the political bilateral relations have intensified considerably. In May 2000, both countries adopted an "Agenda for the Indo-German Partnership in the 21st Century". The heads of government have agreed to meet regularly, the foreign ministers endeavour to meet annually. Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee visited Germany in May 2003. The first official visit to Germany by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take place in April 2006. Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder came to India in October 2001 and again – after the change of government in India – in October 2004. In addition, Federal President Johannes Rau travelled to India in March 2003.

These and many other visits by leading politicians from government and parliament have filled the bilateral Agenda with life. The intensity of contacts reflects the high standard of relations in all fields and notably in the field of international politics. India and Germany – both democratic countries with a federal structure – share a broad range of common values as well as common views on international issues. The bilateral Agenda mentions explicitely the commitment to the aim of global disarmament and non-proliferation as well as the cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime in all its forms. The two governments are working closely together with respect to the reform of the United Nations system, including their joint initiatives as G4 with Brasil and Japan. The high mutual esteem of both countries reflects itself in the mutual support of the candidature of India and Germany for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.