<p>Speaking on WION World Pulse summit on Wednesday (Mar 18), the German ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann expressed deep concern over the ongoing West Asia war, warning of its broader economic and humanitarian consequences. “We are deeply concerned. The war is preventing growth in the way it should, and we hope it comes to an end sooner rather than later,” he said. He noted that multiple countries are bearing the fallout, adding, “Many countries are suffering, including Lebanon, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, making the situation increasingly dire and concerning.”&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Europe’s united stance and refusal to join West Asia conflict</strong></h2><p>Responding to questions on whether Germany would shoulder greater global responsibility and take on the “heavy lifting” amid the evolving global crisis, the ambassador emphasised European unity. “Most important is that Europe stands united in this difficult situation,” he said, noting that Germany alone cannot carry the burden, given that it is roughly the size of Tamil Nadu. He highlighted the European Union’s collective strength, adding that “with its 450 million inhabitants, it is for us a wonderful vehicle to make our voice heard.”</p><p>He reiterated Europe’s clear position concerning the request of US President Trump, on the West Asia conflict, saying, “We have said very clearly that’s not our war, and we will not participate in this. That is our voice of unity.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Identify the pulse of a fast-changing world. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONWorldPulse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONWorldPulse</a> turns global developments into compelling conversations about the road ahead. Watch leaders, global decision-makers, strategists and policymakers all under one roof.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RhythmOfTheNewWorldOrder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RhythmOfTheNewWorldOrder</a> <a href="https://t.co/okgBUyxSpa">https://t.co/okgBUyxSpa</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2034131673655480398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Balancing global crises and diplomatic priorities</strong></h2><p>Talking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he noted, “Every day hundreds of soldiers and civilians die,” warning that shifting attention risks neglecting urgent crises. Stressing the need for focus, he said the international community must avoid being overburdened and instead “concentrate on those areas where things have to be solved,” highlighting the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.</p><h2><strong>India-Europe ties and the FTA opportunity</strong></h2><p>On India-Europe relations, the ambassador struck an optimistic note, calling the partnership “a positive story.”&nbsp;</p><p>He described the proposed free trade agreement as “a huge step in the right direction,” benefiting both sides equally.&nbsp;</p><p>“It shows that free trade leads us, in a tailor-made way, towards more prosperity,” he said, concluding that India remains “a fabulous partner for the EU and Germany.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-world-pulse-india-s-ancient-wisdom-is-the-most-relevant-in-today-s-world-culture-minister-gajendra-singh-shekhawat-1773813587526">WION World Pulse | India's ancient wisdom is the most relevant in today's world: Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>WION World Pulse brought together a cross-section of policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders at a time of heightened global uncertainty. The global thought leadership forum came at a time when globally the lines between geopolitics, economics and technology are increasingly blurred.</p><p>The dynamic event began with a keynote address by Dr Subhash Chandra, Founder and Mentor of Zee Group and Former Rajya Sabha member. Addressing the diverse audience, Dr Chandra noted that "we are in an era of information overload" and in times like these, "diplomacy needs credible global platforms like WION".</p>

Philipp Ackermann noted that multiple countries are bearing the war fallout, saying they are suffering, including Lebanon, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, making the situation increasingly dire and concerning

Speaking on WION World Pulse summit on Wednesday (Mar 18), the German ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann expressed deep concern over the ongoing West Asia war, warning of its broader economic and humanitarian consequences. “We are deeply concerned. The war is preventing growth in the way it should, and we hope it comes to an end sooner rather than later,” he said. He noted that multiple countries are bearing the fallout, adding, “Many countries are suffering, including Lebanon, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, making the situation increasingly dire and concerning.” Europe’s united stance and refusal to join West Asia conflict Responding to questions on whether Germany would shoulder greater global responsibility and take on the “heavy lifting” amid the evolving global crisis, the ambassador emphasised European unity. “Most important is that Europe stands united in this difficult situation,” he said, noting that Germany alone cannot carry the burden, given that it is roughly the size of Tamil Nadu. He highlighted the European Union’s collective strength, adding that “with its 450 million inhabitants, it is for us a wonderful vehicle to make our voice heard.” He reiterated Europe’s clear position concerning the request of US President Trump, on the West Asia conflict, saying, “We have said very clearly that’s not our war, and we will not participate in this. That is our voice of unity.”

<p>Philipp Ackermann noted that multiple countries are bearing the war fallout, saying they are suffering, including Lebanon, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, making the situation increasingly dire and concerning</p>

'Not our war': Germany emphasises EU unity on West Asia conflict, says Ambassador Philipp Ackermann at WION World Pulse

<p>Amid US President Donald Trump’s H1B visa move, German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, extended an open invitation to skilled Indian workers in Germany, pitching the largest economy of Europe as a stable and better alternative to the US. In a video message on his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), German Ambassador Ackermann said that the norms and policies of Germany don’t change overnight. He assured the Indians that Germany stands out with its stable migration policies and great job opportunities.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is my call to all highly skilled Indians. <br><br>Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech.<br><br>Find your way to Germany to boost your career: <a href="https://t.co/u5CmmrHtoF">https://t.co/u5CmmrHtoF</a> <a href="https://t.co/HYiwX2iwME">pic.twitter.com/HYiwX2iwME</a></p>&mdash; Dr Philipp Ackermann (@AmbAckermann) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbAckermann/status/1970450472642482473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>With a video on X, Ackermann posted with the caption, "Here is my call to all highly skilled Indians. Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech."</p><h3>Indians are among the top earners in Germany: German Ambassador</h3><p>In the video message, he pointed out that Indians are among the top earners in Germany, as average Indians earn more than average Germans working in Germany. This shows that Indians are making a significant contribution to German society and welfare.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This is a good moment to talk about Indians working in Germany. Indians are among the top earners in Germany. Average Indians earn more than average Germans working in Germany. Because High salary means that Indians are contributing big time to our society and our welfare," Ackermann explained.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We believe in hard work, we believe in giving the best work to the best people. Our migration policy works a bit like a German car. It's reliable, modern, and predictable. We don't change our rules fundamentally overnight. Highly skilled Indians are welcomed in Germany," Ackermann added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The statements of the German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, stand in stark contrast to Washington's recent restrictions on foreign employees. Just last week, the Trump administration raised H-1B visa application fees to $100,000,a &nbsp;massive jump from the earlier $215 to $5,000 range.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-to-scrap-h-1b-lottery-system-proposes-visa-process-favoring-better-paid-workers-1758651587890">Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, pointed out that Indians are among the top earners in Germany, as average Indians earn more than average Germans working in Germany. 

Amid US President Donald Trump’s H1B visa move, German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, extended an open invitation to skilled Indian workers in Germany, pitching the largest economy of Europe as a stable and better alternative to the US. In a video message on his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), German Ambassador Ackermann said that the norms and policies of Germany don’t change overnight. He assured the Indians that Germany stands out with its stable migration policies and great job opportunities.

<p>German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, pointed out that Indians are among the top earners in Germany, as average Indians earn more than average Germans working in Germany.&nbsp;</p>

'Skilled Indians welcome in Germany': German Ambassador to India amid US's H-1B visa row

<p>India and Germany are collaborating on triangular cooperation projects aimed at promoting sustainable development in countries across Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region, according to German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann. In an interview with WION, Ambassador Ackermann highlighted the significance of this partnership and&nbsp;emphasised upon&nbsp;the combined expertise of both nations.</p>

<p>"That's a new project we have developed together where we cooperate and I think it's very interesting because both the Indian know-how and the German know-how come together. We have started doing projects in Ghana, in Benin, in Malawi, in Africa, but also in Peru, in Latin America. The list is growing," he remarked, indicating the expanding scope of their joint initiatives.</p>

<p>These projects primarily focus on sustainable farming and agriculture, leveraging Indo-German expertise in this field.</p>

<p>One notable initiative mentioned by Ambassador Ackermann is the 'Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development' (GSDP), established following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in May 2022. The GSDP aims to address climate change challenges, preserve natural habitats, and develop emission-free urban centres.</p>

<p>"GSDP aims to adapt to climate change, mitigate climate change, preserve nature, preserve the natural habitat and make cities smarter and more emission-free. So it's a whole package of things we are collecting under this umbrella of this greener Sustainable Development Partnership, that means we will try to very concretely, very operationally improve the situation on the ground and that's beneficial to everyone," Ambassador Ackermann elaborated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjyxdDvuomFAxW9-TgGHUHVDz8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-detains-two-for-alleged-islamist-conspiracy-targeting-swedish-parliament-701969" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-detains-two-for-alleged-islamist-conspiracy-targeting-swedish-parliament-701969&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjyxdDvuomFAxW9-TgGHUHVDz8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Germany detains 2 suspected Islamic State members for alleged plot to attack Swedish parliament</a></strong></p>

<p>He underscored the concrete outcomes of the GSDP, highlighting the allocation of 10 billion euros over the next several years. "Under this, 10 billion euros over the next couple of years and you have in the last two years spent about 1.3 billion euros on this partnership, and the nice thing about this partnership is, it helps and develops projects across the country," he noted. Under GSDP, projects have been undertaken in Cochin, Andhra, Manipur and Ganga valley.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NATO holds military drills in Germany, multinational exercise 'Allied Spirit 2024' kicks off</strong></p>

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<p>Commenting on the broader India-Germany relationship, Ambassador Ackermann expressed anticipation for significant developments in the second half of the year. "We are waiting for a big second half of this year. And we are waiting for the intergovernmental consultations and once the elections are over the new government is formed, we will sit down to find a convenient date with the new government," he stated.</p>

<p>He also mentioned the upcoming Asia Pacific meeting of German business leaders in Delhi, scheduled for October, which signifies Germany's deepening engagement with India.</p>


India and Germany are collaborating on triangular cooperation projects aimed at promoting sustainable development in countries across Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region, according to German Ambassador Dr.

India and Germany are collaborating on triangular cooperation projects aimed at promoting sustainable development in countries across Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region, according to German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann. In an interview with WION, Ambassador Ackermann highlighted the significance of this partnership and emphasised upon the combined expertise of both nations. "That's a new project we have developed together where we cooperate and I think it's very interesting because both the Indian know-how and the German know-how come together. We have started doing projects in Ghana, in Benin, in Malawi, in Africa, but also in Peru, in Latin America. The list is growing," he remarked, indicating the expanding scope of their joint initiatives. These projects primarily focus on sustainable farming and agriculture, leveraging Indo-German expertise in this field. One notable initiative mentioned by Ambassador Ackermann is the 'Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development' (GSDP), established following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in May 2022. The GSDP aims to address climate change challenges, preserve natural habitats, and develop emission-free urban centres. "GSDP aims to adapt to climate change, mitigate climate change, preserve nature, preserve the natural habitat and make cities smarter and more emission-free. So it's a whole package of things we are collecting under this umbrella of this greener Sustainable Development Partnership, that means we will try to very concretely, very operationally improve the situation on the ground and that's beneficial to everyone," Ambassador Ackermann elaborated. Also read: Germany detains 2 suspected Islamic State members for alleged plot to attack Swedish parliament He underscored the concrete outcomes of the GSDP, highlighting the allocation of 10 billion euros over the next several years. "Under this, 10 billion euros over the next couple of years and you have in the last two years spent about 1.3 billion euros on this partnership, and the nice thing about this partnership is, it helps and develops projects across the country," he noted. Under GSDP, projects have been undertaken in Cochin, Andhra, Manipur and Ganga valley. Watch: NATO holds military drills in Germany, multinational exercise 'Allied Spirit 2024' kicks off × Commenting on the broader India-Germany relationship, Ambassador Ackermann expressed anticipation for significant developments in the second half of the year. "We are waiting for a big second half of this year. And we are waiting for the intergovernmental consultations and once the elections are over the new government is formed, we will sit down to find a convenient date with the new government," he stated. He also mentioned the upcoming Asia Pacific meeting of German business leaders in Delhi, scheduled for October, which signifies Germany's deepening engagement with India.

German ambassador says working with India on joint sustainable projects in Ghana, Malawi, Peru

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'Not our war': Germany emphasises EU unity on West Asia conflict, says Ambassador Philipp Ackermann at WION World Pulse

'Skilled Indians welcome in Germany': German Ambassador amid US's H-1B visa row

German ambassador says working with India on joint sustainable projects in Ghana, Malawi, Peru