India-Germany Dialogue: Convergences on Trade and China, Divergences on Russia
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (Bilateral relations - India-Germany, Groupings - EU); Indian Economy (FTAs, Sanctions); Current events of national and international importance.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests (India-EU FTA); Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; India's foreign policy.
Key Highlights from the News
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock held crucial discussions in New Delhi.
Both countries decided to double bilateral trade and expedite the long-negotiated India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Both countries expressed similar concerns over China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Main point of contention: Uncertainty over whether the European Union, like the US, will impose secondary sanctions on India for purchasing oil from Russia.
While Germany views Russia and China as significant threats to the global order, India adopted a neutral and balanced stance on this issue.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified during the discussions that India's foreign policy is based on a multi-polar world and strategic autonomy.
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