German Defence Minister Discusses Strategic Cooperation With Indian Officials

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius concluded his eight-day trip to Asia with a visit to Mumbai, where he met with officials from the Indian Navy and discussed matters of mutual interest and strategic cooperation. 

Pistorius expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of his trip, which included stops in Singapore, Jakarta, New Delhi and Mumbai. 

During his visit to the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, Pistorius engaged in productive discussions with senior naval officers about the challenges faced in ensuring freedom and security of sea routes. 

He commended the Indian Navy for its excellent position and advanced capabilities in dealing with these challenges. 

Pistorius stated, "What is happening around here in the Indian Ocean, in the Arabian Sea - they are all challenges, especially for the Indian Navy. It is excellently positioned, with excellent material. I was able to convince myself of that." 

One significant development during the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Mazagon Docks (MDL) and the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). 

Pistorius highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, "We have thus sent a very important signal today, a milestone, one could say, for a new flagship project in a key technology."

He also emphasised the positive feedback received from Indian partners about German technology, noting, "The Indian partners were full of praise for the German technology, the reliability and the longevity of the equipment, submarines, and ships of the last decades." 

Regarding the perception of intensified arms cooperation between Germany and India, the minister clarified that their collaboration is not aimed at any specific regional states such as Pakistan or China. 

He stated, "It's about helping the partners we have here in the region to be able to defend themselves, but above all to join forces with those who have an interest to protect the 'rules based order' because it is not just about everyone doing something for themselves, but that we do something together for the freedom of navigation, the freedom of the seas and the freedom of the trade routes on which we are all dependent together." 

Pistorius acknowledged the importance of the German presence in the region and expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received as the first German defence minister to visit India since 2015. 

He emphasised the significance of continued cooperation between Germany and India, stating, "We are looking forward to a good and fruitful, trusting cooperation in the years to come." 

He also highlighted the benefits of the exchange between the two countries, stating, "This will be discussed further in the coming weeks and months. It is also to our advantage to know what is happening in this region. And that's why a close exchange is necessary."