German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Friday his desire to strengthen defence ties with New Delhi, aiming to bring the two nations’ militaries closer following his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Traditionally, Germany has not had strong defence ties with India. However, it actively supports India’s efforts to diversify its arms base and reduce its longstanding reliance on Russian defence equipment. This shift comes as Western nations increasingly seek to counter China’s growing influence in the region following the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Our overall message is clear – we need more cooperation, not less,” Scholz said, adding, “at our inter-governmental consultations with India, we also want to deepen cooperation in defence and agree to bring our militaries together.”
Historically, military ties between India and Germany have been limited. However, a significant shift began with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’s visit last year, during which German and Indian companies signed an agreement to collaborate on constructing six advanced stealth diesel-electric submarines. This pact marks a new chapter in defence cooperation between the two nations.
PM @narendramodi warmly welcomes @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz of Germany at the Hyderabad House for the 7th Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).
The IGC framework launched in 2011, allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and identification of new areas of engagement… pic.twitter.com/5OR6Ka93cY
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 25, 2024
Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Spain’s Navantia are the two key contenders vying to supply six advanced conventional submarines to the Indian Navy under Project-75I, a deal estimated at over Rs 43,000 crore. The Indian Navy is expected to choose between the German and Spanish firms in the near future. Additionally, India and Germany are nearing the finalization of a logistics agreement aimed at bolstering military cooperation, which will include joint exercises conducted in one of the two countries or their surrounding maritime domains.
Scholz’s visit to India follows the recent adoption of Germany’s strategic document Focus on India, which outlines the future trajectory of bilateral relations between the two nations. Earlier this month, the German government announced its intent to elevate the strategic partnership with India—established in 2000—to a new level.
Since taking office in December 2021, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has consistently emphasized his commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi, aligning with the West’s “China plus one” strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions. Scholz visited India twice last year—first for a state visit in February and again in September to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Delhi. His latest visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores Germany’s strategic interest in deepening its partnership with India, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Team BharatShakti
