German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann expressed concern over recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent exchange of fire between the United States and Iran. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, he called for a swift return to the status quo to keep the strategic waterway open, emphasizing that Berlin hopes diplomacy prevails. The crisis, he said, underscores the urgent need for India and Germany to strengthen cooperation on energy security.
Concern over Strait of Hormuz attacks
“We are as concerned as you are. We hope for diplomacy and for a quick return to the status quo where the Strait of Hormuz is open,” Ackermann said. The developments in the Gulf have reinforced the importance of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and ensuring long-term energy security, he added. “In this circumstance, it is more important than ever that we look at energy security. What happens in the Gulf now shows us that India and Germany, countries with little natural resources, must look into how you get your energy back home so that you are independent from foreign fossil fuels and other fuels. That is what we have to sit down with India and debate,” he stated.
Clean energy as a pillar of bilateral ties
Ackermann highlighted clean energy as a major pillar of India-Germany relations, noting that both countries are working closely under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. “We are working in this Green Sustainable Development Partnership on so many levels with our Indian friends and counterparts on changing energy mixes towards more renewables and exploring opportunities for renewables, like biogas, for example. There are so many things that we are tackling together,” he said.
Private sector driving green transition
The German envoy said the partnership extends beyond governments, with businesses in both countries playing a crucial role. “What gives me even more confidence for the future is that it's not only government-to-government; it's also private sector-to-private sector. Renewable energies are a business case, and India, like no other country, has understood that. Your private sector and your renewable sector are top-notch. We are looking up to them and trying to learn from them,” he added.
Role of women in energy transition
Ackermann underscored the critical role of women in advancing the clean energy transition and called for greater collaboration to enhance their participation. “You cannot overestimate the role women play in the energy transition. Women play an enormously important role in that, and therefore Germany and India should sit together in the framework of the GSDP, the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, to look out for possibilities to involve women more in this very important endeavour,” he said.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations
On the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Ackermann expressed confidence that both sides could conclude negotiations within the ambitious timeline. “We have a very ambitious agenda ahead of us. We want to sign it by the end of this year, and it should be implemented by the end of the Indian fiscal year, which is basically the end of March next year. It's ambitious, and it's not a guarantee that it will happen, but I'm very confident that it will happen,” he said. He added that Germany would continue to strongly support the agreement, describing it as a major boost for businesses in both countries. “Germany will push for that agenda. For German business in India and also Indian business in Germany, that will be a huge game-changer for the better,” he said.
Reflections on diplomatic tenure
Reflecting on the conclusion of his diplomatic tenure in India later this month, Ackermann said his four years in the country would remain among the most cherished moments of his career. “This becomes a little emotional. I'm in the last weeks of my tenure here, and I will move by the end of this month. I will only say that I had four wonderful years in a wonderful country, which will always be very close to my heart,” he said.
