Opinion ‘At least one terror attack in India has been prevented with German inputs’

Lot of things have changed. Globalisation is a reality — from climate change to terrorism to food security to the financial crisis,nothing can be solved by countries alone. If we want to keep the climate livable,we can only do it together. India was a sleeping giant then,now the giant is wide awake and it is a global power which can make a difference. India lives in a very rough neighbourhood and as a democracy with a vibrant civil society,free press,functioning judiciary and rule of law,India is an ideal strategic partner for us. We have seen in Iraq,Afghanistan and elsewhere that not even the most powerful country can solve problems on its own. For us,India is not only a client or an interlocutor,we see India as long-term strategic partner. In short,the world has changed and India is one of the movers of the change.

As we talk now,the climate change summit at Copenhagen is underway. Germany has been one of the early proponents of the battle against global warming. What’s your sense of the climate change talks; where is it headed?

India,Germany and most countries know that if we don’t limit global warming by 2 degrees by 2050,this world will be unlivable. The clock starts today,we can’t lose more time. From Copenhagen,we expect at least a political consensus. If we miss the boat,there won’t be winners and losers,there will only be losers. If we wait until other partners move,we are losing more time. We,at the G-8 summit at Heilingendamm,pushed through a consensus in the EU on limiting CO2 output by 20 per cent by 2020 and 30 per cent if other big emitters also join. Unilaterally,Germany can go upto 40 per cent. We hope that partners live up to their responsibilities. It is not my job to tell other countries what they should do,I only hope that reason should prevail. My personal interest is that the voice of the least developed countries and small island states are not drowned by big players,since they are the ones who are most vulnerable.

Given the fact that Germany is a leader in climate-friendly technologies,is it prepared to give such technology to India at cheaper price?

Yes,we are the world leaders in modern alternative energy technology and we are ready to share all our technology with India to make it available at affordable prices. In fact,we just agreed on a 350 million Euro programme which has alternative energy as one of the components. Also,German corporations are cooperating with the Indian government at various levels,and are working on formulas to develop further possibilities and make it available to consumers — be it small-scale projects in Orissa or bigger projects on Rajasthan and Gujarat. The good news is that our two economies are compatible. What you need most,we can offer,and what we need is what you can offer,for example IT technology and what you have in abundance is the boundless energy of the young generation.

After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks,there was a huge momentum between the two countries on counter-terrorism cooperation. What’s the state of play and are there any concrete outcomes?

One of the first visitors from Germany,after the Mumbai terror attacks,was our Interior Minister who showed his solidarity and offered practical help. As an outcome,there is a very intensive cooperation between GSG-9,federal police agencies and intelligence agencies with their Indian counterparts. There is an improvement in real-time intelligence sharing,and thank God for that. At least one terror attack in India has been prevented with inputs from German agencies.

When was this; what was the terror plot all about?

It happened through the last year. I cannot share specific details,since the intelligence agencies from both sides have great trust between them and have the highest respect for the professionalism of the Indian agencies. I can only add that,India will always find Germany by their side. Terrorism needs a global response. In the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks,India showed great restraint. This was reflected in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s response by not breaking off communication links (with Pakistan),stretching out his hand and being ready to meet them half-way. And it speaks of the maturity of the Indian people to vote back Singh with an improved tally in the Parliament.

On Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy,which has been recently unveiled by US President Obama: How do you see the strategy and what’s your view of India’s role in Afghanistan?

We are grateful to US President Obama for bringing clarity on the strategy. This war in Afghanistan can’t be won militarily; it needs support on the civilian side — let Afghans see the dividends of peace and put ownership back on Afghans. Germany’s commitment is of 4,500 soldiers. On Pakistan,this is a country whose stability is critical. If Pakistan implodes,India would be one of those suffering most,but others in the world will also face consequences. So,we have to strengthen education,development and have to stay by the side of democratic forces (in Pakistan). As for India’s role,it plays a very important role in Afghanistan,in building infrastructure,development,and consular presence. It is not militarily involved and that is important because given the fragile relations with Pakistan,it will only exacerbate the situation. So India is rightly focussing on infrastructure,and the humanitarian and developmental needs (of Afghanistan).