German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to concluding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest, assuring New Delhi that Berlin will actively push the European Commission to expedite the process.
“Germany is in full support of carrying this Agreement, negotiated as soon as possible. We are a free trade nation… the EU is working on the Agreement with India, that’s the most important to us. I hope we can be successful,” Wadephul said during a delegation-level meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
He added that Germany would use “all arguments with the Commission” to advance the FTA and strengthen ties between India, Germany, and the EU.
Wadephul, who also visited Bengaluru on Tuesday, expressed admiration for India’s growing cultural and educational engagement with Germany, noting the large number of students learning German as “a sign of high potential for bilateral cooperation.”
In Delhi, Wadephul met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, with German Ambassador Phillip Ackermann describing the discussions as “productive” for boosting trade, investment, and innovation.
Goyal meanwhile said India-EU FTA talks are already at an “advanced stage” and expected to conclude by 2025, with active negotiations underway both in Brussels and New Delhi.
The FTA, once finalised, is expected to significantly expand trade ties and address global economic challenges while strengthening India’s position in European markets.
