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Informist, Friday, May 23, 2025

NEW DELHI – Germany Foreign Minister Johann Wadephur Friday supported India's stance to defend itself against terrorism and also appreciated the understanding between India and Pakistan to stop firing and military action in the aftermath of Pahalgam terrorist attack. Addressing a press conference along with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Wadephur condemned the brutal terrorist attack on civilians in South Kashmir's Pahalgam on Apr. 22, in which 26 people, mainly tourists, were killed.  

"After military attacks on both the sides, India, of course, has every right to defend itself against terrorism. The fact that the truce is now in place is something we appreciate very much," he said. The Germany's foreign minister also advocated for a dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad to find bilateral solutions for the conflict.

"What is important now is that this truce remains stable, that dialogue can happen in order to find bilateral solutions for that conflict, taking into account the vital interests of both sides," he said. "Germany and India have been fostering a regular dialogue on the fight against terrorism for years, and we intend to intensify it further." 

On May 7, India had launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to Pahalgam attack and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan. After nearly four days of military hostitilies, India and Pakistan arrived at an understanding to stop firing on May 10.

Supporting a free trade agreement between India and European Union, Wadephur said that an ambitious goal has been set to reach a free trade agreement at the EU level this year. "We will be among those who will exert political pressure for a result because the opportunities are extremely huge. We believe that India has a very prominent role for the EU and for Germany as an economic partner," he said.

Even India's Foreign Minister Jaishankar expressed confidence if the free trade agreement gets through this year, it will open many doors for businesses on both the sides. "Right now our trade with Germany is good. I know Germany has been one of the most consistent and powerful supporters of rapidly doing a free trade agreement. I'm very confident that if we can actually meet the goal of getting the free trade agreement done this year, there will be many more doors that will be open to business on both sides," he said.

Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from Mon-Sat. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.  End

Reported by Kuldeep Singh

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

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