German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann discusses the growing diplomatic importance of India, the reasons why the Russia-Ukraine war failed, and the Indo-German alliance. Shubhajit Roy, Deputy Chief of National Bureau, moderated the discussion.
India has undergone significant development during the past 12 years. Everyone would agree that the infrastructure in the National Capital Region (NCR) has significantly improved, and this is one development that affects daily living. Digitization has advanced dramatically. Change has also occurred on the global stage, where India has taken a much more prominent role. India is acting more assertively than it formerly did in a world that is becoming more difficult, and it is also being courted more assertively. India has suddenly emerged as a highly intriguing partner on the global stage.
Nobody initially paid attention when Germany won the G20 chairmanship. However, when the summit visited Hamburg, things got completely out of control. We faced tremendous security problems and street violence. No Indian, in my opinion, can deny that you are currently the G20 President. You must commend the administration for giving India’s presidency a very positive impression. Now, India is having a really difficult G20 year in terms of substance. Although you have seen ministerial statements, it is very difficult to get a consensus because of Russia’s aggressiveness in Ukraine. I am optimistic that the meeting in September will produce a strong message.
