Germany knows where Taliban came from, says German envoy to India

Germany and India are on the same page about Afghanistan, and Berlin will closely cooperate with the government here on the Afghan issue, German ambassador to India Walter Lindner told ET.

"The foreign ministers recently met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and Afghanistan was an important issue of discussion. We have an interest in a terror-free Afghanistan. We also know where the Taliban came from. We share similar interests with India and are on the same page. We have regular consultations on Afghanistan," Lindner said, a day after Germany went to polls to elect Chancellor Angela Merkel's successor.

When asked about the recent outburst by France (a close German partner in Europe) following the creation of the AUKUS security arrangement among the US, UK and Australia and the submarine deal, Lindner said: "It is heartening to see that the Presidents of France and the US are trying to patch up and lowering tensions. We all want a stabilised Indo-Pacific region where everyone plays by rule. Be it Quad or AUKUS, it contributes to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. EU's Indo-Pacific strategy is also important to add stability to the region."


Expressing optimism on the future of Indo-German ties after Merkel's 16-year reign, the envoy said: "We have a wide-ranging partnership from investments to health cooperation to trade and this will continue. The next Inter Governmental Commission at the level of leaders is expected to be held early next year in Germany. The Indian PM will develop good chemistry with the next leader as well."

On the formation of the next government in Berlin amid a close race between the two main parties, the envoy expressed hope that the government would be formed by this Christmas. "Negotiations are ongoing. Merkel will be the caretaker Chancellor till the next government is formed."

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has narrowly beaten the Christian Democratic Union in the federal elections, according to preliminary results. SPD leader Olaf Scholz says he has a clear mandate to form a government, but his rival, Armin Laschet, is determined to fight on, according to a BBC report.