And for a Friday, the most unexpected and unprecedented events; Hamas Terrorist attack and Israel pounding the Gaza Strip, some thoughts….. some musings…..
The sudden Middle East conflict reaffirms the unpredictability and Volatility of the Geopolitical times we live in. Just a fortnight back we held the 67th AGM of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai, reviewing the opportunities for Germany and India to maximise mutually beneficial business and economic growth. Back then the Ukraine war had cast its long shadows. Germany and India were on opposite sides of the table. Germany totally in unison with Ukraine against Russia and India not willing to forget the decades old loyal friendship with Russia during every past challenge and yet not against Ukraine at all. India’s position was always that peaceful negotiations is the only way forward in these conflicts as proclaimed in the “Vasudeva Kutumbam” approach. Now the Hamas terrorist surprise killings in Israel reminds one of the attack at the Taj Palace in Mumbai. Germany and India are together in supporting Israel and condemning terrorism in any and all forms.
I am an ardent believer that in today’s multipolar world order, India and Germany are natural partners. There is huge potential in working and leveraging each others strengths. German manufacturing technology, Chemical and Green Energy innovation prowess, R&D and proven dual education techniques with India’s soft power, demographic advantages, huge growing markets and immense opportunities for a long term partnership in sustainable development. The landmark German-India Migration and Mobility agreement signed in December 22 promises mobility of students, trainees, cultural professionals, journalists, academic and skilled workers. Germany has huge labour shortage and India has a massive pipeline of skilled technical and non technical labour at every educational and wages point. From Nurses at very competitive salary levels to high end IT Blockchain R&D specialists, all available to be to be tapped for mutual benefit and business growth.
Let us all be aware and support the yeomen activities of the IGCC and help the sustainable growth of Indo-German trade, the mutually beneficial way, the ethically competitive way, the SEEGOS way.