Overview

• In New Delhi, Johann Wadephul and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar signaled plans to deepen cooperation that explicitly includes defense and security.
• Both sides voiced an ambition to double bilateral trade, with Jaishankar saying he was optimistic EU‑India FTA talks could reach a decisive conclusion in the coming days.
• Wadephul led an unusually large business delegation spanning defense, medtech, aerospace and mobility, visiting SAP, Mercedes‑Benz’s R&D center and ISRO in Bengaluru.
• The minister pressed to recruit more Indian specialists for Germany, calling for faster German‑language training, digital visa procedures and a renewed welcoming culture.
• German officials cast the outreach as economic diversification away from heavy reliance on the US and China, while acknowledging India’s ties to Russia and China complicate alignment.