India and Germany have agreed to work together to accelerate negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said following talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi. The ministers also noted that bilateral trade, which reached almost EUR 50 billion last year, could be doubled in the coming years.
Jaishankar said that both countries see a strong case for closer cooperation with the European Union, while Wadephul expressed optimism that the FTA could be concluded within months. “If others put up trade barriers, then we should respond by lowering them,” Wadephul said.
Talks on the agreement, which resumed in 2021 after an eight-year break, continue to face hurdles over tariffs, labour rules and environmental standards. The European Union has pressed for reduced import duties on cars and dairy products, while India has emphasised the need to protect domestic interests and policy space.
Alongside trade, Jaishankar and Wadephul discussed collaboration in defence, semiconductors, student mobility, and wider India-EU ties. On security, both sides noted growing cooperation, including Germany’s participation in the Tarang Shakti air exercises and naval visits to Indian ports. Jaishankar said the two countries agreed on expanding such engagements and encouraging greater industry collaboration.
Wadephul reiterated Germany’s support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism. “When it comes to India defending itself against terrorism, Germany continues to be firmly at your side,” he said. On the conflict in Ukraine, he called on India to use its channels with Russia to encourage peace talks, stating, “The only demand is that weapons fall silent.”
Education and workforce mobility were also central to the discussions. Jaishankar said Indian students now form the largest foreign student group in Germany and welcomed Berlin’s Skilled Labour Strategy, which offers opportunities for mutual benefit. He added that both countries had agreed to issue gratis visas for short-term school and college visits. Wadephul said Indian professionals and students were valuable contributors to Germany’s labour market.
As part of his visit, Wadephul also engaged with the business community and industry leaders. The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and the German Embassy hosted a delegation meeting in New Delhi, where discussions focused on India’s role in the current geopolitical context and opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation. He also visited SAP Labs India in Bengaluru, touring the company’s new Innovation Park and experience centre. In addition, Wadephul visited Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, where he interacted with senior executives and reviewed ongoing projects in digital engineering and autonomous technologies.
Germany is one of India’s largest trading partners in Europe, with cooperation spanning trade, defence, technology, research and education. Both governments have emphasised the importance of building on this partnership to address global economic and security challenges.
