India is both a developed & developing country: Former German ambassador

Whether it's in Starbucks or buying cucumbers in countryside, people use QR codes. This level of digital integration is something West can learn from, says Walter J Lindner, former German ambassador

Walter J Lindner, former German ambassador to India, has just released his book, What The West Should Learn From India, drawing from his diplomatic experience and deep engagement with the country. In an interview with Veenu Sandhu in New Delhi, he delves into India’s unique strengths and challenges, and why he thinks the country stands out as an example of sophisticated diplomacy. Edited excerpts: 

What inspired you to write this book? Was there a specific moment that triggered it?

 

Well, I'm not a book writer by nature — I'm a musician, and I love to travel. The idea of writing