All states have an interest in upholding the rules-based international order – including India
Wadephul highlighted India’s own border disputes with neighboring China, suggesting a shared interest in resolving conflicts through legal means “The rule of law must be upheld and the law of the strong should not prevail” he stated, reiterating Germany’s firm condemnation of Russian aggression He confirmed his intention to discuss these matters directly with Jaishankar and to raise the issue during a planned meeting with Prime Minister Modi
The Minister indicated he wasn’t perturbed by recent images of Modi alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai He acknowledged India’s long-held tradition of independence, noting its historical role as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War and affirmed that India currently occupies a similar position
Despite the existing differences, Wadephul emphasized the importance of close collaboration between Germany and India He pointed to the significant opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere, evidenced by his meetings with numerous business representatives “Germany needs global partners and India is certainly among the privileged partners we must seek out” he concluded
