Germany Admits Europe Misjudged India in BRICS Context, Signals Strategic Reset

Berlin: Europe has acknowledged a strategic miscalculation in how it viewed emerging powers like India and Brazil, according to ****, Germany’s Foreign Minister. Speaking at the *Munich Security Conference*, Wadephul emphasized that India should not be evaluated solely through the lens of its membership in *BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)*.

“Europe made a strategic error by seeing countries such as India and Brazil only as BRICS members,” Wadephul said. “This perspective created unnecessary distance between Europe and these nations, which was wrong.”

Recognizing Shared Values

Wadephul stressed that Europe is now reassessing its global outlook. The continent is increasingly focusing on shared democratic values and common interests with India and Brazil. “Despite our differences with Russia and China, Europe recognizes that its engagement with other BRICS members should not be hindered,” he noted.

He added, “In previous years, we primarily viewed India and Brazil through their BRICS membership, which led to relative isolation. We have now identified multiple areas of convergence and are actively working to strengthen relations with these nations.”

Toward Stronger Future Ties

Acknowledging ongoing tensions with Russia and China, Wadephul emphasized that Europe’s disagreements with these countries should not prevent constructive engagement with other BRICS members. “We share many common interests with India and Brazil. Moving forward, Europe will prioritize these shared values and cooperative opportunities rather than viewing them only through the BRICS framework,” he said.

Wadephul’s remarks signal a shift toward a more nuanced European approach to emerging powers, highlighting India and Brazil as partners in advancing mutual interests and democratic values.