The German Chancellor’s recent visit to India, spearheaded by Friedrich Merz of the CDU, has sparked commentary on the delicate balance Germany seeks to strike between economic opportunity and geopolitical concerns. Sebastian Roloff, the SPD’s parliamentary group’s spokesperson for economic policy, defended the government’s approach despite India’s ongoing relationship with Russia, acknowledging it as an unavoidable reality in the pursuit of broader strategic objectives.
Roloff emphasized the symbolic importance of Merz’s decision to prioritize India over China for this particular diplomatic visit. He highlighted India’s burgeoning market and rapid economic growth as factors that cannot be disregarded, suggesting the move signals a deliberate effort to diversify away from an over-reliance on Chinese trade and investment. This strategic redirection carries significant weight, positioning India as a key player in Germany’s evolving global economic landscape.
However, Roloff conceded the complicating factor of India’s membership in the BRICS group, admitting that democratic principles within these nations are “not so far along” although expressing relative satisfaction with India’s current standing. This sentiment underscores a pragmatic approach, where economic and geopolitical advantages are weighed against concerns regarding governance and human rights.
Perhaps most critically, Roloff addressed the contentious issue of India’s ties with Russia. He explicitly stated that Germany cannot exert pressure on India to sever those relationships as a prerequisite for forging new partnerships, particularly concerning sensitive areas like arms exports. He specifically referenced the potential sale of German submarines, cautioning against the imposition of ultimatums that would render diplomatic engagement unproductive.
Roloff advocated for a gradual, incremental approach, asserting that forcing a dramatic shift in India’s foreign policy is unrealistic. He believes influence is exerted “step by step” even if this process generates political friction. This stance reveals a recognition that while Germany hopes to shape India’s actions, it must operate within the constraints of realpolitik, accepting that achieving complete alignment on all issues is unlikely and potentially counterproductive. The strategy hinges on patient engagement and the slow erosion of existing dependencies, rather than demanding immediate and potentially unachievable policy changes.
