Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India has consistently maintained a balanced diplomatic approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while leaving open the possibility of a greater Indian role in resolving global conflict, including the West Asian crisis.
Addressing an event for the Indian community held at the Indian Embassy in Berlin, Singh said India has made efforts towards peace but stressed that the results depend on timing and global circumstances.
He also expressed his appreciation for Indian diplomacy, which, according to him, allowed many Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
“India has tried…but everything has its time. It is possible that tomorrow will come a time when India plays its role in this matter and also achieves success. 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,” he added, referring to the role of the Prime Minister.
He also pointed out that the Prime Minister personally communicated with leaders of countries involved in major conflicts to encourage dialogue and a peaceful solution.
“When he (Prime Minister Modi) met Russian President Putin and the Ukrainian president, he discussed this matter. Even when he met Trump, he also discussed this and said a solution should be found,” he added.
Singh also highlighted India’s place in global geopolitics, noting its apparent neutrality and engagement with multiple parties. He appreciated India’s diplomacy which, he said, helped Indian ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
He added: “The way India is moving, you must have seen that in the Strait of Hormuz, no ship from any country has been able to pass through it. If anyone has been able to pass through 7-8 ships, it is India… It does not mean that the US considers India as its enemy, or that Iran considers India as its enemy. No, this is a very balanced approach on India’s part.”
Earlier, while addressing the gathering, the Defense Minister said: “This is my first visit to Germany. I am here at the invitation of the Defense Minister (German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius)… I think this is an achievement in itself; relations between India and Germany have gradually become stronger with time… This year, 2026, is a special year for us, because this year, our 75 years of formal diplomatic relations with Germany have been completed… Our relations are built on democratic values, and are entirely based on democratic values.”
Referring to economic relations, Singh pointed to the depth of trade engagement between the two countries and the role of industry in strengthening the partnership.
“In the last seven decades, our relations with Germany have strengthened in all sectors. Today, Germany has become India’s largest trading partner in Europe. More than 2,000 German companies are active in India…Leading German companies are also giving impetus to India’s industrial development and ‘Make in India’. On the other hand, many Indian companies also have a strong presence in Germany,” he said.
