Setting sail for a powerful India-German partnership

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated22/01/2022

German naval frigate FGS Bayern (F217) docked in Mumbai on Friday even as the European country's Ambassador to India said the Indo-Pacific region was of utmost importance and emphasised on free maritime routes.
The warship, whose arrival indicates strong defence ties between the two nations, was welcomed by an Indian Navy band at a ceremony.

Bilateral relations between India and Germany are founded on common democratic principles and are marked by a high degree of trust and mutual respect.
India was amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of Germany after the Second World War.
India and Germany have a “Strategic Partnership” since 2001, which has been further strengthened with the Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) at the level of Head of Governments (German Chancellor and PM) which allows for a comprehensive review of Cooperation and identification of new areas of engagement.

India-Germany Defence Cooperation Agreement (2006) provides a framework for bilateral defence cooperation.
To further enhance the Defence Industry and defence cooperation between Germany and India, an Arrangement on Implementation of the Agreement of 6th October 2006 concerning Bilateral Defence Cooperation was signed on February 12, 2019 during the visit of Raksha Mantri to Berlin.

Germany has realised that the world’s political and economic centre of gravity is shifting to the Indo-Pacific region, with India as a key player, strategic partner and long-standing democratic friend at the hub.
Germany is determined to contribute to buttressing the rules-based international order at a time when it is exposed to grave challenges.
It is vital that trade routes stay open, that freedom of navigation is upheld and that disputes are resolved peacefully on the basis of international law.
India is a maritime powerhouse and a strong advocate for free and inclusive trade - and, therefore, a primary partner on that mission.

As major democracies and strategic partners, India and Germany will step up their cooperation to tackle common challenges, with climate change on top of the agenda.
Upcoming G-20 summit to be held in Germany is an opportunity for joint and coordinated action.
Germany is about to cooperate with India to the tune of €1.3 billion a year in development projects, 90% of which serves the purpose of fighting climate change, saving natural resources as well as promoting clean and green energy.
No country receives more such support from Germany than India.
What world leaders agreed upon at COP26 in Glasgow, Germany and India are putting into practice.
Germany have been supporting the construction of a huge solar plant in Maharashtra’s Dhule (Sakri). With a capacity of 125 Megawatt, it serves 2,20,000 households and generates annual CO2 savings of 155,000 tons.

The Indo-Pacific region is home to around 65% of the global population and 20 of the world’s 33 megacities. A major reason for Germany and Europe’s deep interest.
It is also the source of more than half of all global carbon emissions.
This makes the region’s countries key partners in tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainable energy production and consumption.
More than 20% of German trade is conducted in the Indo-Pacific neighborhood. This is why Germany and India share a responsibility to maintain and support stability, prosperity and freedom in this part of the world.

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, this visit sends a signal of friendship and cooperation.
It sets sail for a powerful partnership, in calm waters and heavy seas alike. And hopefully, it will exceed expectations, every once in a while.