Archive · 16 Jan 2026
India and Germany Strengthen Defence Ties
India and Germany have decided to work more closely together in the defence area.
During a visit by the German Chancellor to India, the two countries agreed to develop and produce military equipment together.
This includes things like submarines and systems to help helicopters avoid obstacles.
They also want to train together and have their navies visit each other's ports.
This partnership is important because it helps India get advanced technology without joining any formal military alliances.
One example is a system that helps helicopters fly safely in difficult places like the Himalayas.
This agreement will also help India make these technologies on its own and maybe even sell them to other countries.
The two leaders also discussed participating in naval exercises and deploying a liaison officer to strengthen their cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
India and Germany endorsed deeper military and industrial ties during Chancellor Merz's visit to India on 12-13 January 2026.
A Joint Declaration of Intent was signed to shift from episodic arms sales to long-term co-development, technology transfer, and co-production.
Both countries committed to enhancing military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, training, and exchanges of senior officials.
Specific areas of progress include cooperation in submarines, obstacle avoidance systems for helicopters, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
The two leaders agreed to participate in naval exercises like MILAN, IONS, and Tarang Shakti, and Germany will deploy a Liaison Officer to the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
- Who
- India and Germany
- What
- Deepening of defence ties and industrial cooperation
- When
- 12-13 January 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance military and industrial collaboration, co-development, technology transfer, and co-production
- Date of Visit
- 12-13 January 2026
- Diplomatic Relations Celebrated
- 75 years
- Strategic Partnership Duration
- 25 years
- Key Technologies Discussed
- Submarines, Helicopter Obstacle Avoidance System, Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS)
- Companies Involved
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), HENSOLDT
- Agreement Location
- Dubai Air Show, November 2025
- Naval Exercises
- MILAN, IONS, Tarang Shakti
- Liaison Officer Deployment
- Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)
Sources
India and Germany deepen defence ties with new industrial cooperation framework
India-Germany: An economic relationship whose time has come as the world changes and challenges grow
German envoy hails Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India
