Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius held a meeting on Tuesday to assess the progress of the bilateral defence cooperation between their countries. They also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration, particularly in the realm of defence industrial partnership.
During their discussion, Singh emphasized the potential in the defence production sector, highlighting the prospects for German investments in the Defence Industrial Corridors located in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Singh stated, “The Indian defence industry can actively participate in the supply chains of the German defence industry, thereby enriching the ecosystem and enhancing supply chain resilience.” This remark was quoted in a release by the Defence Ministry.
Furthermore, he underscored the potential for India and Germany to foster a symbiotic relationship based on shared objectives and complementary strengths. India offers a skilled workforce and competitive costs, while Germany brings advanced technologies and investment.
India and Germany have enjoyed a strategic partnership since 2000, and the relationship has been further strengthened through Inter-Governmental Consultations since 2011, at the level of Heads of Government, as stated by the Ministry.
The delegation-level meeting included the participation of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, such as Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. On the German side, State Secretary Benedikt Zimmer from the Ministry of Defence, along with senior officials and the German Ambassador to India, were present. Notably, this visit marks the first time a German Defence Minister has visited India since 2015.
The bilateral meeting commenced with a Tri-Service Guard of Honour in honor of the visiting dignitary.
Pistorius arrived in India on Monday for a four-day visit.