“There is more to do and more must happen”, asks the president of the German-Indian parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Ralph Brinkhaus (CDU/CSU), taking into account the relations between the two countries. Especially compared to China, India is not recognized enough. “There are many starting points for cooperation.” interview Brinkhaus promotes an intensification of German-Indian relations and gives an overview of the work of the parliamentary group. This interview literally:

Mr Brinkhaus, India is – next to china – second major rising power in Asia. In this country, however, the subcontinent is still often considered an exotic travel destination and traditional clichés are carried. This does little justice to the importance of India, whose population is expected to surpass that of China this year, and its political, economic and technological ambitions. Is India not sufficiently perceived as an economic and security partner?

Especially compared to China, India is not recognized enough. This applies not only to economic policy, but above all to security and climate policy. There are many starting points for cooperation.

The potential of relations between India and Germany has not yet been exhausted? Should relations be intensified?

There are and have been good contacts between the Chancellor and his predecessor and Indian Prime Minister Modi. There are regular government consultations. But there are more and more things to do. India is a very confident country and rightly wants to be seen and included more. For understandable reasons, we have focused heavily on China in our Asia policy over the past few decades. In the context of worrying developments in China, we should change this quickly, also in our own interest.

What do you actually do as a member of the Bundestag? Give an overview of the work of the Indo-German parliamentary group!

The group’s work is very diverse. On the one hand, there are regular official contacts with the Indian embassy here in Berlin, but also with our representation in India. In addition, we have good relations with the Federal Foreign Office and our political foundations in India. This is very important to stay well informed. Because the German media report little about India. The peculiarity of the German-Indian parliamentary group is that we receive a lot of visitors. They range from politicians to scientists and from business representatives to human rights activists. And we see that as our main task: contacts, contacts, contacts. We will probably go to India as a delegation next year and meet Indian colleagues there and of course also invite them for a return visit.

There seems to be less conflict with India than with China, especially over respect for human rights and the appreciation of democracy as a form of government. Because of this common basis, can India play a greater role for Germany as an international partner in the future?

India is undoubtedly the biggest democracy in the world, we have good friendly relations with India and of course there are a lot of common values. This suggests that we should intensify our cooperation. But you also have to be honest among friends: And honesty means that we are getting more and more feedback that the tolerance in dealing with different religions and ethnic groups, which is the DNA of modern India, is diminishing. . And we also want to talk about it. On the other hand, India complains, for example, of the difficulty for Indians to obtain visas in Germany. This is a question we need to question ourselves.

What interest does the Indian side have for you as a German parliamentarian?

We should always bear in mind that from an Indian point of view, Germany is a big country but also a small country. There is really a lot of interest there. This is also due to the good tradition of cooperation in business and, what is often forgotten, in science.

What is particularly important to you in German-Indian relations?

Bringing people together and especially politicians. Something common can only happen when you get to know each other, and for this it is important that you constantly meet face to face.

What will you personally focus your energy on in the Indo-German parliamentary group?

Putting India back in Germany on the media map again and again. Therefore: Thank you very much for the opportunity to do so interview. (ll/23.08.2022)