In a significant move to bolster their bilateral defence relationship, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius on October 8, 2024. The discussion aimed at strengthening defence industrial collaboration and enhancing supply chain resilience, marking a crucial step in transforming defence into a key pillar of the India-Germany bilateral relationship.
1. Review of Ongoing Defence Cooperation
During the call, both ministers briefly reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation activities, including exercises in the air and maritime domains. This review underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining robust defence engagement and cooperation.
2. Strengthening Defence Industrial Collaboration
A key agenda of the telephonic conversation was to further strengthen defence industrial collaboration. This initiative aims to enhance mutual cooperation in the defence sector, fostering a more resilient and efficient supply chain.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of this collaboration on social media, stating that they discussed ways and means to strengthen defence industrial collaboration and enhance supply chain resilience.
3. Future Plans for Defence Engagements
The ministers also planned to meet in the near future to give concrete shape to defence engagements and joint projects. This meeting is expected to transform defence into a central pillar of the India-Germany bilateral relationship, aligning with German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs upcoming visit to India later this month.
The visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is significant as it will cover various inter-governmental consultations, including ease of doing business, migration, geopolitics, and climate change. Additionally, the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024 is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 24 to 26.
4. Mega-Submarine Deal and Future Developments
The telephonic conversation between Rajnath Singh and Boris Pistorius comes ahead of a major decision on the mega-submarine deal under Project-75I. The Indian Navy has completed the Field Evaluation Trials (FET) for both bids from TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) and Navantia. The evaluation process is ongoing, with TKMS partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Navantia partnered with Larsen & Toubro.
The successful implementation of this deal will not only enhance India's naval capabilities but also strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Germany in the defence sector.
In conclusion, the telephonic conversation between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius marks a significant step towards fortifying India-Germany defence ties. The future plans for defence engagements and joint projects are expected to transform defence into a key pillar of their bilateral relationship.
