India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has urged Germany to expedite the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations to stabilize the global economy amidst economic volatility and political uncertainty. This call to action occurred during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Both India and Germany have committed to doubling their bilateral trade and are actively working towards the swift conclusion of the FTA between India and the European Union. Jaishankar emphasized that finalizing the FTA would provide a "ballast" to the global economy, which is currently facing numerous challenges. Wadephul reaffirmed Germany's commitment to the FTA and assured that his country would use its influence with the European Commission to push the agreement forward. He stated that Germany is fully supportive of carrying this agreement forward and negotiating it as soon as possible.

The urgency for the FTA stems from the "twin challenges" of economic volatility and political uncertainty, compounded by the U.S.'s imposition of 50% tariffs and sanctions. Jaishankar side-stepped comments about the challenges, stating that India believes a multi-polar world with strategic autonomy can best respond to economic and political challenges through more intensive consultations and cooperation among key member states.

Negotiations between India and the EU had resumed in 2021 after being stalled for eight years but have faced hurdles over issues such as the EU's push to cut import taxes on cars and dairy products while seeking stricter climate and labor rules on Indian goods. India aims to protect its local farmers, avoid rigid environmental regulations, and maintain control over legal disputes. Despite these differences, both Indian and EU negotiators are fast-tracking discussions, with the goal of meeting regularly to reach the year-end deadline set by EU President Ursula Von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Wadephul also discussed furthering cooperation in various sectors, including security and defense, economic relations, research and future technologies, climate and energy, and education. They expressed hope to double bilateral trade from approximately €50 billion last year.

Wadephul's visit to India, just months after assuming office, precedes a planned visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a biannual summit later in the year. This visit underscores the strengthening of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, marking 25 years since its inception. Discussions also focused on bilateral cooperation in trade, security, green energy, digital transformation, innovation, technology, and skilled workforce recruitment.

Jaishankar assured that India remains committed to improving the ease of doing business and would give special attention to any concerns raised by German companies investing in India. He also noted the 50 years of scientific collaboration between the two countries and stressed the need to intensify it and link it with industry. Both sides see significant potential in space cooperation and have agreed to explore it more aggressively.

The German Foreign Minister's visit included engagements in Bengaluru with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and meetings with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, highlighting the evolving ties between India and Germany. The German Ambassador to India, Phillip Ackermann, described the discussion between Wadephul and Goyal as productive, focusing on strengthening trade, investment, and innovation ties.

Piyush Goyal stated that FTA negotiations between India and the European Union are in an advanced stage, with significant progress being made. He also mentioned that the Commerce Secretary is in Brussels meeting with his counterpart, and active negotiations are ongoing.

Amidst global uncertainties and geopolitical shifts, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the India-Germany partnership, stating that predictability has a huge premium in global politics. He highlighted that the ongoing changes in the world influence India's policy and approach to other countries.