Chronicles on India: A Journey through the Eyes of Mr. Walter J. Lindner
In a captivating interaction on 22 March 2024, the Hamburg Representation Mumbai delved into a multifaceted dialogue with the esteemed Walter J. Lindner, Former State Secretary and Ambassador to India. Although from Munich, Mr. Lindner is a frequent traveler to Hamburg. A luminary figure with a plethora of accomplishments Mr. Lindner’s journey transcends borders, blending his roles as a former State Secretary, Ambassador to India, author, musician, and ardent enthusiast of India. We sat down with him on a virtual call discussing India, Hamburg, his infamous red car in India (one that broke traditional norms of diplomacy), and his latest book on India: “Der alte Westen und der neue Süden: Was wir von Indien lernen sollten, bevor es zuspät ist”.
What prompted you to write a book on India?
First, my idea was not to write a book. But many people and friends in India had been asking me for quite some time, why I didn’t write something about my experiences, considering that I had been to India 50 years ago and then returned as an ambassador. As an ambassador, I was not someone who solely did diplomatic work. I went outdoors and interacted with the taxi and rickshaw drivers. I also travelled all over the country, from Ladakh to Lakshadweep, to Assam, you name it. I really wanted to find out what India was. I wanted to see the DNA of Indians, one that is very difficult to grasp. I hope that I have captured it in the book.
Mr. Lindner’s excitement and enthusiasm while talking about India only furthered, as he we proceeded to ask him our next question.
A lot of times, German expats who travel to India for the first time decide to visit the country again. Was it the same case with you as well?
Yeah! I was born at the end of the 50s, and in the 70s, I had a dream to come to India. It was the goal for many of us in Germany because we were looking for spirituality, and a different lifestyle, one which we only have heard of and read in books. So, it was a certain mystery that drew us to India. It took me months to come to India by land, where I spent six months and then I continued traveling my whole life, always wanting to come back. I didn’t know at that time, that I would become a diplomat, so it’s been quite a journey, coming back to India 45 years later as the Ambassador.
As a former diplomat and someone who appreciates Indian culture, where do you think India stands in the current situation and what are your views on it?
I think the importance of India has increased especially during the last two decades. It is due to a multi-polarized world, where there is not just an eastern bloc and a western bloc, but there are different countries and different centers of attention. And, as the Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar rightly said, the times when one region of the world was dominating the rest of the world are over. India is a very important country, not just because it is the most populated country now, but also because it keeps its balance between different blocs. It also brings a lot of experiences with it, one that could be helpful in solving many of today’s challenges. I think what India has to say is very important and is more listened to right now.
Reflecting on the transformative power of dialogue, we delved into the most promising areas of collaboration between India and Germany.
According to you, what are the most promising areas of collaboration between India and Germany?
On the bilateral side, of course it is the economy.
There are around 2,000 German companies active in India, and Indian companies are active in Germany, although to a lesser extent. Cooperation has also been widening into different sectors, including medicine, technology, and manufacturing. In terms of science and technology, German universities have the highest number of Indian students in Europe, with around 43,000 students. Germany seems to be attractive for Indian students and this could be also an area of cooperation.
There are also talks of cooperation in development projects, especially green future, like CO2 management, waste management, and cleaning of the River Ganga. There is also a lot of interest in the spiritual side of India in terms of Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation.
On the political front, Germany is working with India on reforming the Security Council and finding answers to the challenges in different areas of the world. India also had an impressive term of presidency of the G20 last year, with over 10,000 international delegates visiting all over the country. The possibilities of collaboration are endless!
What do you think India and Germany should learn from each other?
The title of my book is “The Old West and the New South”, and the subtitle is “what we should learn from India before it’s too late.” Now what should we learn from India? There are many lessons, but I would say the spirit of entrepreneurship, and the willingness to take risks more than we do. Indians do not fear failure. The start-ups in India are a great example of this Indian spirit of free-thinking. But then one also learns that life is not only work and money but should also have spiritual endeavors. And of course, the concept of jugaad! One thing that has been brought back to India is its self-esteem and self-confidence, that was almost destroyed by colonialism. I think Indians have a lot more pride about their country and are confident to not being treated as a nation that is second-best. India also has excellent universities which are focusing on IT, medicine and artificial intelligence. So, you are not only producing for western countries like in the past decades, but you are producing for your own sake.
From Germany, I think India can learn and adopt our ways of manufacturing and engineering, areas in which India has been catching up.
We also got a glimpse into Mr. Lindner’s tenure as a diplomat, as he took us back to a few noteworthy moments as the German Ambassador, his red ambassador car marking the highlight of his tenure in India.
Looking back on your tenure as a diplomat, is there a memorable moment during your time
as an ambassador to India?
There are several memorable moments, but I will mention two.
First, during the pandemic when India was on complete lockdown, and we had to fly out foreign nationals to Germany from India. There was no mode of transport out of the country, and I received all of them at my residence in Chanakyapuri who were waiting for a special flight to Germany. For many of them, it was the first time that they met and interacted with a German diplomat. Normally, one would go to an Embassy for official purposes, and would rarely have anything to do with the Ambassador. But now they were at the residence of the German Ambassador, and the ambassador wasn’t being stiff and serious! We distributed food, and wished them all the luck, before flying them out. That was a very touching moment.
The second memory was when I presented my credentials to the then President of India, when I drove my red ambassador to the presidential palace in New Delhi! Despite the rigorous protocol for the vehicles, I interacted with the President, who was pleasantly surprised that I had arrived there in an Indian vehicle. I am still very proud of the car, and I regard it as a sign of respect and honor to do that. Later, we went out and held a press conference in front of the India Gate with my red car also making an appearance! So, this was also a very nice memory.
With every answer, we delved deeper into Mr. Lindner’s tapestry of experiences. He painted a cheerful picture of India and Indians.
What was your biggest takeaway from your experience in India?
There are so many takeaways, but I think the biggest takeaway is the smile of the people. Even if they are poor, or if they have totally difficult situations, they smile. I think I will take this kind of modesty with me along with the colorfulness! I think India is an explosion of color, so I would take with me the colors and the smile of the Indian people which continues to remain even in the toughest of living conditions.
You recently took part in the International Women’s Day Celebration in the Indian Consulate, Hamburg. How do you think Hamburg has contributed to strengthening Indo-German ties?
I think Hamburg is already doing a lot. I have been interacting with the Consulate General of India in Hamburg. As an ambassador, I used to attend the annual Liebesmahl (organized by the German Asia-Pacific Business Association) through which I met with a lot of German traders and companies. I think that Hamburg is one of the most liberal and inclusive cities in Germany, because of its port and harbor. In terms of engaging with India, the Indian Consulate in Hamburg has been doing a lot, especially with the Hamburg Senate. I am always surprised when I see how big and active the Indian community in Hamburg is, and the amount of support they receive from the authorities there. I would really like to compliment the Indian community in Hamburg for maintaining such close ties with the city.
India through your eyes: if you were to describe India in five words, what would they be?
People, Neutrality, Colors, Culture and Uniqueness.
From his diplomatic endeavors in India to his unwavering passion for Indian music, this interaction painted a vivid portrait of a personality, whose life is a harmony of culture, curiosity, and connection. As we bid adieu to this captivating conversation, Mr. Walter J. Lindner’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who have the pleasure of crossing paths with him. With the book adding to his list of achievements, we anticipate more such interactions in the future!
The Hamburg Representation Mumbai is your first point of contact for all business, political and cultural exchange between India and Hamburg. Get in touch with Sameeha Pradeep Sule at info(at)hamburgmumbai.com. Visit the Hamburg India website (www.hamburgmumbai.com) for more updates about the interactions between India and the Hanseatic City!
