Delhi, Berlin boost defence ties

CLOSER COOPERATION IN SECURITY, DEFENCE SHOWS MUTUAL TRUST AND SHARED VIEWS: MODI

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz fly kites during the inauguration of the International kite festival in Ahmedabad yesterday.

India and Germany yesterday agreed to deepen cooperation between their defence industries and strengthen security ties, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gujarat amid shifting global alliances and growing pressure to reduce dependence on traditional suppliers such as Russia and China.

Speaking after talks in Gandhinagar, Modi said the two countries would work on a roadmap for defence industrial cooperation, opening new opportunities for co-development and co-production, as New Delhi accelerates efforts to modernise its armed forces and diversify military imports, media reports said.

Bilateral trade crosses $50b

“Closer cooperation in security and defence shows mutual trust and shared views,” Modi said, adding that bilateral trade has crossed $50 billion, its highest level so far. More than 2,000 German companies operate in India, reflecting “unwavering faith” in the country’s economic prospects, he noted, according to IANS.