Rajnath Singh highlights India’s neutral global stance, strong Germany ties and growing economic partnership, while pointing to diplomatic engagement across major world conflicts.
Photo: SNS
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday indicated that India could step into a more active role in resolving global conflicts, including the ongoing tensions in West Asia, even as he underlined New Delhi’s steady and balanced diplomatic approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The remarks came during an interaction with the Indian community at the Indian Embassy in Berlin, where Singh framed India’s foreign policy as one rooted in neutrality and engagement with all sides. He said India has already made efforts to push for peace but stressed that outcomes depend on the right timing and evolving global conditions.
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“India has tried… But everything has its time. It is possible that tomorrow, the time may come when India plays its role in this and achieves success as well. We cannot rule out this possibility. The Prime Minister has appealed to both sides to end the war. Our Prime Minister has a very balanced approach to diplomatic matters,” Singh said.
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He pointed out that the Prime Minister has personally reached out to leaders involved in key global conflicts to encourage dialogue and de-escalation.
“When he (PM Modi) met Russian President Putin and the Ukrainian President, he discussed this. Even when he met Trump, he also discussed and said that a solution should be found,” he added.
Singh also cited India’s navigation through the sensitive Strait of Hormuz as an example of its diplomatic balance, noting that Indian vessels were able to pass through at a time when others struggled.
“The way India is moving, you must have seen that in the Strait of Hormuz, no ship from any country was able to pass through. If anyone managed to pass through their 7-8 ships, then it was India… It is not that the US considers India as its enemy, or Iran considers India as its enemy. No, this is a very balanced approach of India,” he said.
Speaking about his visit, Singh said it marked his first trip to Germany at the invitation of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. He described the engagement as a reflection of strengthening bilateral ties.
“This marks my very first visit to Germany. I am here on the invitation of the Defence Minister (German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius)… I believe that this is an achievement in itself; the relations between India and Germany have gradually become stronger with time…This year, 2026, is special for us, because this year, our formal diplomatic relations with Germany have been completed for 75 years…Our relations are based on democratic values, completely based on democratic values,” he said.
Highlighting the economic dimension, Singh said trade and industry have played a key role in cementing relations between the two countries over the decades.
“In the last 7 decades, our relations with Germany have strengthened in every sector. Today, Germany has become the largest trading partner of India in Europe. More than 2,000 German companies are active in India… Germany’s leading companies are also giving momentum to India’s industrial development and Make in India. On the other hand, many Indian companies are also making a strong presence in Germany,” he added.
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