Germany Reaffirms Strong Support for India in Combating Terrorism, Says FM Johann Wadephul

Germany has reiterated its unwavering support for India in combating terrorism. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed this to an Indian parliamentary delegation, which highlighted India's firm stance against nuclear intimidation by Pakistan. The delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, visited Germany to reinforce India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, especially after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

The delegation's visit concluded with the Indian Embassy noting that India's strong position against terrorism resonated with Germany's top political figures and think tanks. This reinforced the depth of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. During their meeting, Minister Wadephul condemned the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed Germany's solidarity with India in fighting terrorism.

India-Germany Strategic Partnership

Both nations discussed enhancing their strategic partnership, focusing on a rule-based international order grounded in democratic values. "We underscored the significant threat terrorism poses to democracy, humanity, and human rights," Prasad stated on X after meeting Wadephul. He emphasised the need for democratic nations to unite against this menace.

The delegation interacted with key members of the German Bundestag, including Jurgen Hardt and Tilman Kuban, as well as leading think tanks. They conveyed India's precise and measured response to the Pahalgam attack and stressed that there is no distinction between terrorists and those who support them.

Support from Indian Diaspora

The delegation also met with leaders of the Indian community in Germany. They appreciated the diaspora's support following the Pahalgam attack. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims, with participants pledging unity against terrorism.

Prasad noted that the Indian community in Berlin showed great enthusiasm, inspired by India's growth story and its firm stance against terrorism. "Our visit to Germany was highly successful," he said on X, highlighting Germany's strong condemnation of terrorism.

Meetings with German Officials

The delegation met Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Parliament Bundestag, along with lawmakers Ralph Brinkhaus and Hubertus Heil. "Grateful for today’s exchange with the Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation," Laschet said. "Germany stands with India in the fight against terrorism."

The delegation also interacted with Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Parliament. They appreciated Berlin's unequivocal support for India's stand against terrorism and briefed about #OperationSindoor, reiterating India's zero tolerance for terrorism.

Expanding Strategic Ties

India's Ambassador to Germany Ajit Gupte welcomed the delegation and briefed them on India-Germany ties. Discussions focused on expanding strategic partnerships and cooperation in trade, investment, defence, science and technology, and mobility.

The delegation included MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M Thambidurai, former minister M J Akbar, and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. Chaturvedi expressed satisfaction with the visit's outcome on X.

International Outreach

This delegation is part of seven multi-party groups tasked by India to visit 33 global capitals. Their mission is to highlight Pakistan’s links to terrorism internationally. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam attack but subsided following military talks on May 10.

With inputs from PTI