Berlin

India and Germany on Wednesday signed key defence agreements, including a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and an Implementing Arrangement on UN Peacekeeping Training, in a move aimed at further deepening their strategic partnership.

The agreements were formalised during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day official visit to Germany, in the presence of his German counterpart, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the initiatives are expected to enhance institutional cooperation and expand avenues for joint training, capacity building and capability development in the defence sector.

Earlier in the day, the two ministers held comprehensive bilateral talks in Berlin, reviewing the full spectrum of defence and security ties. Discussions focused on advancing co-development and co-production of defence equipment, particularly in specialised and emerging technology areas.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military-to-military engagement, describing it as a central pillar of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, Singh said he was pleased to meet Pistorius and exchange views on expanding defence cooperation and addressing evolving geopolitical challenges. He also highlighted the significance of witnessing the signing of the agreements.

The Defence Minister described his visit as reflective of the strong mutual trust and growing synergy between the two countries, noting that bilateral defence ties have gained momentum in recent years.

He also underscored the importance of the India-European Union Security and Defence Partnership signed earlier this year, saying it provides fresh opportunities for deeper collaboration. Both sides agreed to utilise this framework for achieving tangible outcomes, both bilaterally and within the broader European context.

On global security issues, Singh emphasised the need for a firm and unified stance against terrorism in all its forms.

Pistorius, in turn, welcomed the progress made in institutionalising service-level staff talks and upcoming joint military exercises.

Singh also extended an invitation to the German Air Force to participate in Exercise Tarang Shakti, scheduled to be held in India later this year.

Upon his arrival, the Defence Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the German Ministry of Defence. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Bundeswehr Memorial.

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India and Germany are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, along with 25 years of their Strategic Partnership. Over the years, ties between the two nations have expanded into a broad-based partnership covering defence, trade, technology, green energy, education and cultural exchanges.