Photos’ Credit: x.com/rajnathsingh
India and Germany have taken a significant step toward deepening their strategic partnership by signing a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, with a proposed $8 billion submarine deal also nearing finalisation, according to officials on both sides.
The agreements were concluded during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit to Germany, where he held extensive talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius.
Defence Industrial Roadmap to Drive Co-Development
At the core of the visit was the signing of a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, aimed at boosting joint development and co-production of military platforms and systems.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence: “The two ministers discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, especially in the field of niche technologies. They also reaffirmed the commitment to enhance military-to-military cooperation as a key pillar of the strategic partnership.”
The roadmap is expected to enable closer industry linkages, facilitate technology sharing, and open pathways for Indian and German firms to collaborate under a structured government-to-government framework. Officials described the arrangement as a “two-way street,” allowing Indian companies to access the German defence market while encouraging German participation in India’s expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem.
An Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations Training was also signed, aimed at strengthening joint training, capacity building, and operational coordination.
Industry Engagement and Submarine Facility Visit
Highlighting the growing role of industry in bilateral defence ties, Minister Singh held discussions with defence companies from both countries.
“Had extensive discussions with the defence industry leaders from Germany and India on tremendous potential available in the defence sector. They were appreciative of India’s defence industrial reform trajectory. Urged the German industries to co-develop and co-produce with India in niche tech for secured national interests and global stability and resilience,” Minister Singh said in a post on X.
He also visited the submarine manufacturing facility of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Kiel, accompanied by Pistorius.
“Visited TKMS submarine building facility in Kiel, accompanied by the German Defence Minister Mr. Boris Pistorius. An insightful visit showcasing cutting-edge technologies and advanced naval capabilities, which will be mutually beneficial for cooperation in maritime domain,” he added.
High-Level Talks Focus on Strategic Technologies
During bilateral discussions in Berlin, both sides reviewed a wide spectrum of defence and security cooperation, with a strong emphasis on emerging and niche technologies.
“Exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including the deepening of our defense cooperation and the tackling of new geopolitical challenges. I attended the signing of the roadmap for the defense industry and the implementation agreement for cooperation in UN peacekeeping missions,” Minister Singh said.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military-to-military engagement as a cornerstone of the India-Germany strategic partnership.
$8 Billion Submarine Deal in Final Stages
Alongside the roadmap, Germany signalled that a long-pending submarine cooperation agreement with India is close to conclusion.
“I am very, very confident that I will be able to sign it soon,” Minister Pistorius said, adding that he expects the deal to be finalised within the next three months.
The proposed agreement involves ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems partnering with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to build next-generation conventional submarines in India.
The project, estimated at around $8 billion, is part of India’s Project-75I programme, which aims to induct advanced diesel-electric submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems—technology that allows submarines to remain submerged for extended durations, enhancing stealth and operational capability.
Under the proposed arrangement, TKMS will provide design expertise and engineering support, while Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders will lead construction and delivery, ensuring high levels of local manufacturing.
Strategic Convergence and Expanding Ties
Rajnath Singh described his visit as a reflection of the: “deep friendship, synergy and trust” between India and Germany, highlighting that defence cooperation has gained significant momentum in recent years.
He also pointed to the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership as a key framework for expanding engagement, with both sides agreeing to leverage it for enhancing regional stability and joint capabilities.
India has additionally invited the German Air Force to participate in the upcoming Exercise TARANG SHAKTI, further underlining growing operational cooperation.
Long-Term Defence Engagement
India and Germany share a longstanding defence relationship dating back to the 1950s, spanning areas such as military platforms, manufacturing, and technology transfer. Submarine cooperation has remained a key pillar, with earlier acquisitions of German-origin Shishumar-class submarines.
The new submarine deal, once finalised, is expected to significantly strengthen India’s naval capabilities while reinforcing the broader push for indigenous defence production.
The signing of the defence roadmap, coupled with progress on the submarine deal—and reinforced by high-level industry engagement—marks a pivotal moment in India-Germany ties, positioning defence industrial collaboration at the centre of an increasingly robust strategic partnership.
