Germany is recalibrating its foreign policy priorities, placing India at the center of its strategic, technological, and economic engagement, according to a recent report. The shift was underlined during German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s visit to India from September 1–3, which emphasized Berlin’s recognition of New Delhi as a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Wadephul, speaking alongside India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, declared that “India equals Asia for us,” signaling Germany’s strategic assertion that New Delhi is pivotal to Berlin’s long-term geopolitical vision. The announcement coincided with the clearance of India’s INR 70,000 crore submarine project under Project 75(I), involving Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, highlighting deepening defense cooperation.

The report noted that Germany is pursuing three core priorities with India—technological sovereignty, economic diversification, and Indo-Pacific engagement. During his visit, Wadephul praised India’s innovation hubs, referencing his stops in Bengaluru and ISRO, and stressed collaboration in artificial intelligence, space exploration, and advanced technologies.

Economic cooperation also emerged as a central theme, with bilateral trade already approaching €50 billion last year. Both sides expressed confidence in doubling this figure, backed by Germany’s support for India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Berlin also acknowledged India’s efforts to improve ease of doing business, mobility of talent, and regulatory clarity, while New Delhi welcomed Germany’s interest in long-term economic diversification.

Strategically, Germany highlighted its Indo-Pacific policy goals, including safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime trade routes. In a volatile regional environment, Berlin expressed its intention to partner with India in ensuring regional security and stability.

These developments, the report concluded, reflect Germany’s recognition of India as an indispensable partner in shaping a multipolar world order through defense collaboration, technology-driven growth, and economic resilience.