German Minister Admits Alienating India Was 'Wrong,' Shifts Europe's Global View

• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged Europe's past strategic misjudgment in viewing emerging powers primarily through the BRICS framework, stating it alienated countries like India.
• Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Wadephul emphasized Europe is now reassessing its global outlook, focusing on shared democratic values and common interests with partners like India and Brazil.
• He highlighted that cooperation with India should not be overshadowed by its participation in multilateral platforms that include Russia or China, despite fundamental differences with Moscow and Beijing.
• Wadephul noted India's distinct position in Europe's strategic calculations, citing mutual trust, predictability, and shared democratic governance as key differentiators from China.
• The remarks follow a productive bilateral meeting between Wadephul and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the conclusion of a free trade agreement between India and the EU, eliminating tariffs on over 90% of goods.