India and Germany have taken decisive steps to expand their defence and strategic partnership, with New Delhi pressing for faster defence technology clearances and Berlin reaffirming its commitment to deeper cooperation.
During high-level talks in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul discussed a wide range of issues, from maritime security to advanced defence projects. A central focus was the Rs 70,000 crore Project-75 (I) submarine programme, which aims to deliver six advanced submarines for the Indian Navy through collaboration between India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
India emphasized the importance of reducing bureaucratic delays in export licensing, a move that could accelerate defence technology transfers and joint manufacturing initiatives. Germany, for its part, highlighted its interest in supporting India’s role as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific, while also voicing concerns about China’s aggressive maritime posture.
Beyond defence, both nations pledged to work closely on economic and technology fronts. The two sides set an ambitious target to triple bilateral trade, which currently stands at around €50 billion, and underlined the urgency of finalizing the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement (FTA).
The talks also touched on green energy, digital innovation, space exploration, and people-to-people ties, signaling that the partnership is set to broaden well beyond traditional defence cooperation.
With faster clearances, joint submarine development, and stronger trade negotiations, India and Germany appear determined to move their strategic partnership into a new era of trust and collaboration.
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