External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted the rising importance of stability and dependability in global politics, remarking that “predictability carries a huge premium” in today’s turbulent international environment. His comments came in the aftermath of bilateral discussions with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi, where he emphasised India’s growing commitment to cultivating partnerships that remain steady and resilient despite widespread global volatility.
Jaishankar pointed out that the shifting currents of world affairs — from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the trade tensions between the United States and China — are profoundly shaping India’s foreign policy choices. He underlined that these changes have not only altered the strategic landscape but have also introduced heightened economic uncertainty across the globe, forcing nations to rethink the way they engage with one another.
In this context, Jaishankar placed Germany at the heart of India’s larger strategic vision, both as a powerful nation in its own right and as the leading member of the European Union. He described the Indo-German relationship as one marked by steadiness and predictability, qualities he argued have become increasingly valuable amid global instability. “This relationship is one where promises are honoured, commitments are kept, and policies remain constant,” he observed, noting that such reliability is now a strategic asset in international affairs.
The minister also stressed that the bilateral relationship holds enormous growth potential, with opportunities spanning economic cooperation, technological collaboration, defence ties, and political coordination. He added that Germany’s role in the EU and its joint membership with India in the G4 grouping advocating reforms at the United Nations make Berlin an indispensable partner in New Delhi’s global strategy.
Jaishankar explained that India’s foreign policy is not about choosing one partner over another but about carefully balancing and optimizing relations with multiple powers, including the US, Russia, and China. In his view, the future of India’s diplomacy lies in maintaining durable, predictable ties that offer resilience in times of international crisis.
Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar underlined that the frequent high-level exchanges between India and Germany in recent months were a reflection of this growing recognition. He asserted that as the world grapples with unpredictable shifts, partnerships rooted in reliability and steadiness — like the one between India and Germany — will carry greater weight and value in the years to come.
