We observe the world’s largest election with admiration: Germany’s envoy

German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann said many governments are now reaching out to India.

New Delhi:

German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann said Germany is watching with admiration the world’s largest election to be held in India on April 19, and whoever wins “more India” will be seen internationally. Seen on stage.

Speaking at an event hosted by a top private university on Monday, he also said India’s G20 presidency “gives us a little taste of what it’s like”.

In his speech, he touched on the Iran-Israel conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and many other ongoing or unresolved issues around the world.

“In this very, very difficult situation, I don’t remember the world ever going through a more difficult time than it is now. We see clearly from a European perspective, from an EU perspective, that India is rising. We are watching with admiration what will happen It’s a pretty big exercise in the biggest election in the world that starts on Friday, it’s a festival of democracy,” Mr Ackerman said.

“Whatever happens in these elections, whoever wins this election, I think we are going to see a lot more of India on the international stage,” the envoy said.

“The G20 Presidency has given us a taste of that. India has a seat at the grand table, we Germans and Europeans believe so. India does and must become more visible, whether in the UN Security Council or elsewhere and recognition,” he added.

India assumed the one-year chairmanship of the influential grouping from December 1, 2022 until the New Delhi Declaration was announced at the G20 summit in September last year.

“The G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 culminated our deliberations as the G20 Presidency. The G20 includes all P5 countries and accounts for 85% of global GDP and 75% of world trade. India Representing two-thirds of the world’s population, this is the most high-profile international gathering in the history of independent India,” reads a summary on the website of India, the G20 Presidency.

This theme – “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, drawing on its ancient belief ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – was recognized by all. “During India’s G20 Presidency, more than 200 meetings were held through 40 different mechanisms in 60 cities across 28 Indian states and 8 Union Territories, including the Sherpa Collaboration and Financial Track Working Groups and Engagement Groups, which The scale, scale and scope are unprecedented,” it said.

The German ambassador said it was a role “India deserves” unlike other countries. “But one should not forget that this is a promising role. India will be assessed by more people than ever before. Not only the so-called ‘global South’ countries, but its international image and policies will also be affected. “Be scrutinized,” Mr. Ackerman said.

Many governments are now engaging with India, including the German government, “because we expect India to play a greater role in international politics,” he said.

“However, you should not forget that this is a difficult task, the work is not easy, hopes and expectations are different. Let’s say Russia’s expectations of India are different from what the United States has of India. How will India manage to find itself in India? The way out? This new role,” the envoy said.

The event was hosted by Jindal Global University and the envoy delivered a speech titled “Indo-EU Partnership in a Multipolar World”.

“It is in India’s interest to have a strong and strong partnership with Europe, including Germany. I think that is what we are trying to do…Both India and Europe have a deep interest in preserving the rules-based international order,” he explain.

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