German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed concern over India's continued reliance on Russian weapons, stating that it is not in Germany's interest. During his visit to Jakarta before heading to India, Pistorius emphasized the need for joint efforts to address this issue. He highlighted that Germany cannot unilaterally change the situation but is willing to support its reliable partners like Indonesia and India, even considering the possibility of delivering submarines.
Pistorius's visit to India is significant, as it aims to strengthen ties between the two countries in the defense sector. The German Ministry of Defence has officially announced Pistorius's four-day visit, which will begin on June 6. During his stay, he will engage in discussions with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with a primary focus on industrial cooperation and the potential for submarine construction in India. Unresolved agreements will also be addressed during the talks.
Germany's involvement in the Indo-Pacific region has been evident through symbolic actions such as dispatching the frigate Bayern in 2021, including a visit to Mumbai. This demonstrated Germany's strategic engagement in the region and a commitment to increased military presence. Furthermore, a recent agreement on triangular cooperation between India, France, and Germany indicates progress in advancing security and defense collaboration.
Looking ahead, the first-ever France-India-Germany military exercise is scheduled for 2024, further enhancing the collective security framework and defense cooperation among these nations.
It is noteworthy that the meeting between German Defence Minister Pistorius and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh follows the comprehensive discussions held between Singh and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The talks encompassed various strategic cooperation aspects and the unveiling of a roadmap for defense industrial collaboration, highlighting India's commitment to strengthening ties with multiple partners in the defense sector.
As Germany actively engages with India and other partners in the region, the focus on industrial cooperation, joint development projects, and defense collaboration underscores the significance of building strong and diversified defense relationships in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
