Overview

• External affairs minister S. Jaishankar and German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said they want India–EU free trade talks to reach a decisive conclusion soon, with Berlin pledging to put its full weight behind the deal.
• Both sides set an ambition to double bilateral trade from roughly €50 billion, as Germany pressed for easier market access and India promised special attention to ease of doing business.
• New people-to-people measures include gratis visas for short-term school and college visits, alongside expanded cooperation in semiconductors, green hydrogen, space and other future technologies.
• Jaishankar reported progress on defence collaboration through more expeditious German export-control clearances, with plans to continue and expand joint exercises, while Germany affirmed support for India’s right to defend against terrorism.
• Wadephul urged New Delhi to use its ties with Moscow to press for a return to Ukraine peace talks, as both ministers emphasized rules-based stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.