'Deepen Defence Cooperation, Bring Militaries Together': German Chancellor Olaf Scholz On Meeting PM Modi

On Friday (25 October), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his desire to deepen defence ties with New Delhi and bring the two countries' militaries closer. His comments came after a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Germany, historically not a primary defence ally of India, is now positioning itself to support India’s efforts to diversify its arms supply chain and reduce reliance on Russia. This initiative aligns with broader Western strategies to counter China’s expanding influence and bolster stability across the Indo-Pacific region through enhanced strategic presence.

"Our overall message is clear, we need more co-operation, not less. At our inter-governmental consultations with India, we also want to deepen co-operation in defence and agree to bring our militaries together," Scholz said.

On 23 October 2024 Germany has even accorded a special status to India, so that approvals for military purchases can be accelerated, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann said on Wednesday, adding that the German seller is awaiting the Indian government to complete its decision making processes with regard to the P-75I submarine deal.

Germany’s TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) and Navantia of Spain. are the two contenders in the fray to sell six advanced conventional submarines to the Indian Navy under Project-75I, in a deal estimated at over Rs 43,000 crore.

The Indian Navy is expected to pick between the German company or Spain’s Navantia soon.

In addition, India and Germany are close to finalising a logistics arrangement deal between the armed forces for cooperation and joint exercises in one of the two countries or the surrounding maritime domains

Regarding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Chancellor Scholz reaffirmed his economy minister’s commitment to advancing talks and urged for swift progress on the pact.

"I am sure that if we work on this together, Prime Minister, this could happen in months rather than years," Scholz said.

Earlier, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal warned that India would be unable to strike such a deal if the bloc insisted on "Irrational Standards" such as getting access to the Asian giant's dairy industry.

Scholz, accompanied by eight senior cabinet ministers, is leading a high-level delegation to New Delhi, for three days, during which the two engaged in bilateral talks concerning trade between the two countries.

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