EAM’s remarks during the German Unity Day celebrations (October 30, 2025)

Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, Excellencies, friends,

Namaskar and good evening.

It is a great pleasure to join you all today to celebrate the national day of the Federal Republic of Germany, the day of German Unity, and I can't think of a better way of doing this than by having an Alpen Utsav. So my congratulations on that score. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. And while this is an occasion to appreciate the many achievements of our ties, perhaps it is also one to contemplate the future.

We are entering an uncertain - the Ambassador used the word unruly, I would say uncertain at least - period in world affairs. Both strategic unpredictability and economic volatility are on the rise. Our two nations have an important responsibility for stabilizing the global order and promoting peace, progress and prosperity. That is best done by expanding our convergences and taking forward a mutually beneficial agenda.

Now we are both vibrant democracies as we all know, we are also pluralistic societies and we are market economies. Our partnership has many stakeholders across multiple domains. So it is imperative that we continue to build a deeper rapport and a stronger chemistry based on mutual respect and mutual understanding.

As we reflect on our ties, I am glad to note the steady growth of our bilateral trade and investment. German companies have been present here for many decades, in fact some of them I think have been here for more than a century, and I see enthusiasm for expansion in many of my interactions with them. Germany is also key to our ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union. Our Green and Sustainable Development Partnership has also progressed very noticeably.

A particularly noteworthy feature of our ties has been the enhanced people-to-people exchanges, and the Ambassador referred to it as well. Our student population in Germany has doubled in the last five years. The mobility of skilled professionals has also seen a visible rise. In that sense, we are serving as a model to facilitate the emergence of a global workforce.

Let me today express our deep appreciation for Germany's clear stand in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. My counterpart Minister Johann Wadephul was unambiguous in supporting India's right to defend itself against terrorism. It is in full consonance with our belief that there should be zero tolerance towards terrorism.

Our political cooperation has also intensified, with our leaders setting an example. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz have already met twice this year, and Ambassador, as you said, we look forward to welcoming the Chancellor in India at some time of our mutual convenience. I was in Berlin in May and had the privilege of welcoming Minister Wadephul in Delhi in September. We hope to maintain the momentum of these exchanges. I recognize too that our defence collaboration has now picked up visibly. This has opened up many new possibilities.

India and Germany are firm adherents of multilateralism. We cooperate closely in international forums including in the G4 format in pursuance of the reform of the United Nations.

So let me conclude today by congratulating the Ambassador and all the German nationals present here today on behalf of all the well - wishers of Germany and well - wishers, supporters of the relationship on this occasion. And let me express my confidence that our strategic partnership will grow from strength to strength. Once again, I thank you for inviting me to join you today and I can tell you that it's really a very good feeling to see so many of you here today to celebrate what is one of our most important relationships. Thank you very much.

New Delhi
October 30, 2025