India Pushes Deeper Defence Ties with Germany; Rajnath Singh Engages Diaspora, Calls for Joint Innovation

New Delhi: India on Tuesday called for a deeper and more structured defence industrial partnership with Germany, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urging lawmakers and industry leaders to collaborate through co-development, co-production, and co-innovation under India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative.

Addressing members of the German Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and Security in Berlin, Singh said the global security environment is becoming increasingly complex due to emerging threats and rapid technological change.

He stressed the need for trusted partnerships, adaptability, and coordinated international responses to address shared challenges.

Highlighting India’s ongoing transformation of its defence sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh noted that the country is modernising its capabilities while also building self-reliance in manufacturing and technology.

He said collaboration with Germany’s advanced industrial ecosystem, including its highly specialised Mittelstand firms, could generate significant mutual benefits in defence production and innovation.

The Defence Minister also pointed to growing strategic convergence between India and Germany at both bilateral and European levels. He referenced increasing support from German leadership, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and broader momentum within the European Union towards stronger engagement with India.

Singh added that as two strong democracies with resilient economies, both nations have an important role in shaping global discussions on security and development.

Raising concern over geopolitical instability, particularly in West Asia, Singh warned that disruptions in critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz have direct implications for India’s energy security and economic stability.

He outlined India’s coordinated response mechanism, including a Group of Ministers monitoring developments in the region to ensure energy supply stability, control inflation, and protect national interests.

Earlier, Singh paid tribute to Rabindranath Tagore at Humboldt University in Berlin, underscoring the long-standing cultural and intellectual ties between the two countries. He was also accorded military honours upon his arrival in Germany, reflecting the importance of the bilateral engagement.

In a separate interaction during his three-day visit, Singh met members of the Indian diaspora in Berlin and described them as a “strong bridge” between India and Germany. He appreciated the nearly 300,000-strong Indian community in Germany for its contributions across sectors including technology, business, healthcare, academia, and the arts.

Singh encouraged the diaspora to actively promote India’s perspective on global issues and contribute to strengthening bilateral ties.

He highlighted that India’s global standing has risen significantly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and urged the community to remain connected to its cultural roots while supporting economic and strategic cooperation.

He also noted that 2026 will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Germany, built on shared democratic values, mutual trust, and respect. Singh emphasised India’s progress in infrastructure, space, startups, and digital innovation, reiterating that the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat aims to enhance domestic capabilities and reduce import dependence.