New Delhi: A press conference in New Delhi took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when a question about US tariffs on India left German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul momentarily flustered, reaching for a glass of water, while India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar couldn’t suppress a smile.
The awkward moment unfolded during a joint media interaction following Wadephul’s meeting with Jaishankar on the sidelines of his first official visit to India, a day after a tariff-related controversy stirred global tensions.
The incident occurred as Wadephul, on his maiden visit to India, praised India’s efforts to promote peace in Europe, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and acknowledged the strong ties between the two nations. However, a pointed question about US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods visibly unsettled the German minister, highlighting the delicate balance of their diplomatic relations.
The Tariff Question That Stunned Wadephul
During the press conference, a journalist raised a question about the US tariffs, asking, “The US is using tariffs on all countries as a means to stop the Russia-Ukraine war, and President Trump has unfairly imposed tariffs on India. What discussions took place between you regarding this, and what is your opinion on the matter?” The question, referencing Trump’s recent 50% tariff hike on Indian exports as a punitive measure for India’s oil trade with Russia, put Wadephul in an uncomfortable spot. As the question was posed, he reached for a glass of water and took a sip, visibly hesitant, while Jaishankar’s face broke into a subtle smile that captured the attention of onlookers.
A Diplomatic Dodge Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Wadephul’s discomfort was palpable, as Germany, as a key member of the European Union, has been cautious about taking a public stance on the US tariffs, likely to avoid straining relations with the Trump administration. The German minister did not respond to the question, and the discussion swiftly moved to other topics, leaving the query unanswered. Jaishankar, maintaining his composure, fielded other questions with his characteristic poise, while the moment underscored the sensitivity of the tariff issue in the context of global geopolitics.
This incident comes at a time when India-US relations have been under scrutiny, with Trump’s tariff policies and his vocal criticisms of India’s trade practices creating diplomatic ripples. Wadephul’s water-sipping moment, juxtaposed with Jaishankar’s amused reaction, added a light-hearted yet telling note to an otherwise serious diplomatic engagement.
Strengthening India-Germany Ties
Despite the awkward moment, Wadephul’s visit highlighted the growing partnership between India and Germany. He met with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Jaishankar, discussing avenues for enhanced cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. The German minister reiterated the potential for doubling bilateral trade, currently valued at €50 billion, and expressed optimism about concluding a free trade agreement with the EU soon. Jaishankar echoed these sentiments, affirming India’s commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties with Germany.
The press conference, held at Hyderabad House, was part of a broader effort to strengthen India-Germany relations amid a volatile global economic landscape, exacerbated by the US tariff war. While the tariff question went unanswered, the incident served as a reminder of the delicate balancing act both nations must perform in navigating their relations with the US and other global powers.