New Delhi: India and Germany have renewed their commitment to deepen defence and security collaboration during the India-Germany high defence committee meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday, co-chaired by defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and state secretary of the German ministry of defence Jens Plötner.
The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral defence ties and identified priority sectors for co-development and co-production of defence equipment. Strengthening military-to-military cooperation was underscored as a core pillar of the strategic partnership between the nations.
Both delegations exchanged assessments on the regional security environment and discussed expanding bilateral engagements, including the institutionalisation of joint military exercises.
Germany confirmed its participation in Tarang Shakti — the multinational air combat exercise — and Milan — the major multinational naval exercise — scheduled for 2026.
During the talks, the Indian delegation highlighted India’s role as the ‘first responder’ and ‘net security provider’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Defence secretary Singh noted that India’s outreach in the region is guided by the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth Across Regions — focusing on development partnerships, maritime security, capacity building and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The German side acknowledged India’s increasing strategic significance in the IOR.
Both nations stressed the need to enhance collaboration between defence industries, particularly in niche and emerging technologies, signalling a push toward greater interoperability and joint innovation.
India and Germany are marking 25 years of their strategic partnership this year. Officials noted that the elevated focus on defence and security cooperation reflects growing mutual trust and shared strategic priorities nurtured over decades.