Germany, India to deepen economic ties in face of US tariff policies

Germany and India are seeking to deepen their economic ties in the face of US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff and trade policies.

"We want to tackle the challenges facing our two countries together and strengthen our cooperation," said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at a meeting with his counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi.

India has a special geopolitical significance as an emerging economic power, the most populous country and the world's largest democracy, said Wadephul.

"Our two countries have a lot to gain, especially economically, if we expand our cooperation," he added.

The two foreign ministers expressed the hope that bilateral trade could be doubled. They believe that the EU's planned free trade agreement with India could help to expand economic ties.

Wadephul earlier played hockey with students at a school in New Delhi as he wraps up his inaugural visit to India.

Amid temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius in the shade and 75% humidity, Wadephul took part in a training session at the Modern School Vasant Vihar along with former Olympians Moritz Fürste from Germany and India's Sardah Singh.

"It's more difficult than you think, but it could be fun," Wadephul told broadcaster Welt TV. "I just need to practise a bit."

The foreign minister said the game can provide lessons for politics, stressing the importance of "team play."

"Nobody will win the game here if they don't get the right pass," he said. "And we always have to take that to heart in politics."

India is a powerhouse in field hockey, its men's team having taken home the gold medal at eight Olympic Games.

Singh, who ended his career in 2018, is an idol for many Indians.

Fürste, who travelled as part of Wadephul's delegation to the South Asian country, was part of the German national hockey team from 2003 to 2017.

His advice for German politicians was clear. Anyone wanting to understand India should not try to explain the world to the Indians, he argued.

Wadephul's two-day trip began on Tuesday in the southern technological hub of Bangalore, known as India's Silicon Valley.