Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, 22 April, held bilateral talks with Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius in Berlin, focusing on strengthening the strategic defence partnership and expanding cooperation in key areas including co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
During the meeting, both sides signed and exchanged the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap along with an Implementing Arrangement for cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping training.
The discussions covered priority areas in niche technologies and reaffirmed the commitment to enhance military-to-military cooperation as a core pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Singh termed his visit a symbol of deep friendship, synergy and trust, and noted that defence cooperation between the two countries has gained momentum in recent years, particularly after Boris Pistorius assumed office as Germany’s Defence Minister.
The talks also took into account the broader India-European Union Security and Defence Partnership, with both ministers agreeing to utilise the framework for tangible outcomes that will strengthen regional stability, enhance joint capabilities and reinforce the Indo-German strategic alignment.
On global security issues, Singh said terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned unequivocally, without exception or justification.
He also said that India and Germany have provided stability and strength to the global economy during periods of uncertainty.
The German side appreciated the institutionalisation of service-level staff talks and future bilateral military exercises. India also expressed interest in Germany’s participation in the next edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti, scheduled to be held in India during September-October 2026.
Earlier in the day, Singh was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the German Ministry of Defence.
He also laid a wreath at the Bundeswehr Memorial, honouring personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The engagement comes at a significant milestone, as India and Germany mark 25 years of their Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
The bilateral relationship today spans defence, trade and investment, technology and innovation, development cooperation, green energy, higher education, sustainable solutions, culture and people-to-people ties.
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