India, Germany holds high level defence committee meet, pushes deeper cooperation

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – The Ministry of Defence in a statement issued on Tuesday stated that the co-chairs of the India-Germany High Defence Committee reaffirmed commitment to enhance military-to-military cooperation with focus on developing defence ties as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany.

They discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues including priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment.

They also exchanged views on the regional security situation and discussed intensifying bilateral exchanges including institution of military exercises.

Germany will be participating in Tarang Shakti (multinational air combat exercise) and Milan (multinational naval exercise) which is planned in 2026, the stratement noted.

India is the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Net Security Provider’ for countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Defence Secretary informed the visiting German delegation that India’s approach to the region is guided by its vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth Across Regions).

India has been working closely with countries in the IOR on a range of areas from development partnership, defence and maritime security, capacity building and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

The German side acknowledged India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region.

Both sides emphasized the need for a closer defence partnership and connecting the industries of both nations, especially in the field of niche technology.

India and Germany have a long-standing relationship, which is underpinned by common values and shared goals.

Both are celebrating 25 years of ‘Strategic Partnership’ this year.

The importance of strengthening defence and security aspects of the relationship has increased manifold which reflects the mutual trust that has been nurtured across decades, the statement concluded.