Roderich Kiesewetter, a senior member of the German Bundestag (Parliament) and foreign policy expert for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is currently trending in international diplomatic circles. His sharp criticism of the recent US military actions in Venezuela and his simultaneous call for a tougher stance against China have drawn significant attention in India, a country that closely monitors the balance of global power.
As of Friday, January 9, 2026, here is a detailed breakdown of why Kiesewetter is in the headlines and what his statements mean for the changing world order.
The “Venezuela Coup” Controversy
The primary reason for Kiesewetter’s surge in the news is his bold condemnation of the US military operation in Venezuela, which reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this week.
While some Western allies remained silent, Kiesewetter broke ranks to criticize the move.
- The Statement: He stated that the US action marks a “return to the old US doctrine from before 1940,” describing it as a mindset of “spheres of influence where the law of force rules, not international law.”
- Why it Matters: His comments reflect a growing unease in Europe regarding “unilateral” US military interventions. For India, which consistently advocates for the “Rule of Law” and sovereignty, these comments resonate with the Global South’s concerns about regime change operations.
Strong Stance on China & Taiwan
While criticizing the US on one front, Kiesewetter has taken a hawkish stance on another issue critical to India: China. Amidst Beijing’s intensified military drills around Taiwan this week, Kiesewetter urged the German government to:
- Condemn China’s Actions: He called for a clear message against Beijing’s aggression.
- Support Taiwan: He suggested that Berlin should reconsider its strict adherence to the “One China” policy and support democratic Taiwan more openly.
- Back Arms Procurement: He supported the global call for Taiwan to secure its defense capabilities for the 2026-2033 period.
Impact on India: This stance aligns with India’s strategic interests. As New Delhi faces its own border challenges with China, support from influential European lawmakers for checking Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific is seen as a positive diplomatic shift.
The “Two Kiesewetters”: A Note for Indian Readers
It is important to clarify that while Roderich Kiesewetter is making political headlines, another Kiesewetter is also relevant to India right now.
- Dr. Gregor Kiesewetter: A scientist with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), recently co-authored a report with the World Bank titled the “Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Plan 2025.”
- If you are searching for “Kiesewetter” in the context of pollution or health in UP, it refers to the scientist, not the German MP.
Why Indian Policymakers Are Watching
Roderich Kiesewetter’s statements highlight a “fractured West.”
- Dilemma for New Delhi: India maintains strong ties with both the US and Germany. When a senior German MP attacks US policy as “illegal,” it complicates the narrative of a united Western front.
- Multipolarity: His views support the idea of a multipolar world—where US power is not unchecked—a concept India has long championed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Roderich Kiesewetter?
Roderich Kiesewetter is a German politician and member of the Bundestag (Parliament) from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He is a well-known expert on foreign affairs and defense policy.
Q2. What did Kiesewetter say about the US and Venezuela?
He criticized the US military operation in Venezuela, calling it a violation of international law and a return to the “law of force” doctrine, stating it destroys trust in the US.
Q3. Does Kiesewetter support China?
No. He is a strong critic of China. He recently urged the German government to support Taiwan and condemn China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait.
Q4. Is there a Kiesewetter related to UP pollution?
Yes. Dr. Gregor Kiesewetter is an atmospheric physicist who recently worked on the “Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Plan” to reduce pollution in North India. He is different from the politician.
Q5. Why is this news important for India?
It highlights European pushback against US unilateralism (which aligns with India’s stance on sovereignty) and growing European support for countering China (which aligns with India’s security interests).