German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann met Wednesday the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for a "useful exchange on Indian politics and Indo-German relations" with the Senior Congress party leader.
"Great discussion today with the Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Useful exchange on Indian politics and Indo-German relations, " Ackermann posted on X after the meeting.
German Foreign Ministry comments on Congress leader disqualification in Lok Sabha in March 2023.
"We are aware of the judgment issued at first instance against Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi, as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. As far as we know, Mr Gandhi has the right of appeal against the judgment. It will then become clear whether this judgment stands and whether the conditions for the suspension of his mandate are even met," German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Andrea Sasse said during a media briefing on March 29, 2023.
"We expect standards involving judicial independence and fundamental precepts of democracy would be equally applicable to the case of Rahul Gandhi in court," he added.
Reacting strongly, the MEA spokesperson said, "Not sure what they seem to achieve by such comments. India is not waiting for their views or validation, nor do such comments matter to the functioning of the Indian systems and institutions."
Reminder: Just a few months ago, the German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi was summoned to the MEA after the German Foreign Ministry commented on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
We have been following the case. India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards referring to independence of the judiciary and to basic democratic principles will also apply in this case. Like every defendant, Mr Kejriwal is entitled to a fair, neutral trial. This includes the right to use all available legal remedies without any restrictions. The principle of innocent until proven guilty is one of the core elements of the rule of law and must apply to him, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer said during a regular media briefing on March 22, 2024.
Strong protest had been issued to the German diplomat in New Delhi on the above said statement of Foreign Office Spokesperson regarding India's internal affair.
"We see such remarks as interference in our judicial process and a blow to the independence of our judiciary. India is a vibrant and robust democracy with rule of law. As in all legal cases in the country, and elsewhere in the democratic world, law will take its own course in the instant matter. Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted," the MEA said in a statement on March 23, 2024.
Last week, EAM S. Jaishankar had even during his visit to Germany pointed at this trading amount between the two countries which stands at USD 33 billion while keeping in mind that India views the European Union and Germany as one of the key players in the emerging multipolar world.
"In a globalized existence, instability anywhere has consequences everywhere. It is untenable therefore for major nations to limit their horizons. But to act on that, it is necessary to forge partnerships and understandings. That is best done where there is comfort, where there is confidence and where there is convergence. This is what we are seeking to build between India and Germany, a stronger relationship. And that is why we believe Germany too should take greater interest in the Indo-Pacific, just as we in India seek to do in the Euro-Atlantic," said EAM Jaishankar during his address at the Annual Ambassadors' Conference of German Foreign Office in Berlin on September 10, an event which was also attended by and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Ambassador Ackermann.
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