Setting sail for a powerful India-German partnership

Context: German navy frigate Bayern recently arrived in Mumbai after visiting Japan, Australia and other countries. 

• This move is for strengthening the relationships between India and Germany. Bayern has also participated in NATO missions and operation Atlanta in the past.
• The German frigate Bayern sailed to India after traversing the South China Sea as part of Berlin’s focus on maritime and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, marking the first visit by a German warship to India in almost a decade. 
• The visit of the German frigate follows forays into the Indo-Pacific by other European navies.

Background

• Germany has realized that the world’s political and economic center of gravity is shifting to the Indo-Pacific region, with India as a key player and strategic partner.
• Germany is determined to contribute to buttressing the rules-based international order at a time when it is exposed to grave challenges.
• For Europe, it is vital that trade routes stay open, that freedom of navigation is upheld and that disputes are resolved peacefully on the basis of international law.
• India is a maritime powerhouse and a strong advocate for free and inclusive trade partners on that mission.

What are the Significant Aspects of India-German partnership?
Tackling Global Issues

• The Indo-Pacific region is home to around 65% of the global population and 20 of the world’s 33 megacities.
• The region accounts for 62% of global GDP and 46% of the world’s merchandise trade.
• On the other hand, it is also the source of more than half of all global carbon emissions.
• This makes the region’s countries key partners in tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainable energy production and consumption.

Importance of Indo-pacific region to Germany

• More than 20% of German trade is conducted in the Indo-Pacific neighborhood.
• This is why Germany and India share a responsibility to maintain and support stability, prosperity and freedom in this part of the world.

Significance of Germany’s Warship Bayern

• The Bayern participated in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union missions Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean Sea and Operation ATALANTA in the Arabian Sea.
• Bayern also helped monitor United Nations sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Road Ahead

• As major democracies and strategic partners, India and Germany should step up their cooperation to tackle common challenges, with climate change on top of the agenda. 
• This is an opportunity for joint and coordinated action. Together India and Germany can work on a sustainable path for India’s growth that will benefit both our countries.