Former German Ambassador to India Thomas Matussek has urged his government to place India at the forefront of its strategic alliances, especially in a world where traditional partnerships are weakening. Matussek emphasized India’s global democratic significance and its shared values with Germany during an interaction with media.
“In this world, where old alliances show cracks, we need to look beyond the fence… India, the biggest democracy in the world, should certainly be at the forefront,” Matussek advised.
“India Fighting the Same Enemies of Democracy”
The former envoy strongly advocated deepening strategic ties, including defence cooperation and trade alignment with India.
“India is fighting the same enemies of democracy. Every rupee well spent would be on a bilateral strategic defence partnership with India,” he said, adding that India’s stability and restraint in handling regional tensions are commendable.
Matussek also referenced the global instability seen in major powers like the US and China, suggesting Germany must build stronger ties with democratic allies like India.
Reaction to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Speaking emotionally about the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Matussek said it “hit him hard” and urged the international community to acknowledge the clear backing behind the terrorists.
“We know exactly who the terrorists are. We know exactly who is behind the terrorists,” he remarked, praising the measured response by the Indian government following the attack.
Delegation in Germany Amid Global Outreach
The comments came as a high-level Indian parliamentary delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad visited Germany after concluding meetings in Brussels. The visit is part of India’s diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pakistan-sponsored terror strike in Pahalgam.
The delegation includes cross-party MPs such as:
- Daggubati Purandeswari, MJ Akbar, Gulam Ali Khatana, Samik Bhattacharya (BJP)
- Amar Singh (Congress)
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT)
- M Thambidurai (AIADMK)
- Former diplomat Pankaj Saran
India’s Counter-Terrorism Stance and Operation Sindoor
Following the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, executing targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
During the Brussels visit, Ravi Shankar Prasad called out Pakistan’s “military-terrorist coalition” as a global threat to democracy and humanity, asserting India’s firm stance against terrorism on the world stage.
Strategic Vision Forward
Matussek’s remarks reinforce growing international calls for closer Indo-European cooperation, especially as India emerges as a stabilizing force in South Asia and a reliable democratic partner in uncertain geopolitical times.