New Delhi: Germany has expressed its intention to deepen security cooperation with India as part of a broader effort to diversify India’s defence and energy partnerships and reduce long standing dependence on Russia.
Speaking during his visit to India, German Chancellor **Friedrich Merz** said Berlin is ready to work more closely with New Delhi in areas such as defence technology, security cooperation and supply chains. He underlined that Germany sees India as a key strategic partner in a changing global order marked by rising geopolitical tensions and growing protectionism.
Merz also indicated that negotiations for a long awaited trade agreement between India and the European Union could be nearing a conclusion, raising hopes that a deal could be finalised by the end of this month. Such an agreement would significantly boost economic ties between India and Europe and help both sides reduce risks linked to over dependence on a few global partners.
India and Germany signed several agreements during the visit, covering areas such as defence cooperation, critical minerals, healthcare, artificial intelligence and innovation. The agreements aim to strengthen long term collaboration and make supply chains more resilient.
Germany also announced visa free airport transit for Indian passport holders travelling through German airports, a move expected to improve people to people contacts and ease travel for Indian professionals and students.
Bilateral trade between India and Germany has now crossed 50 billion dollars, reflecting the growing economic relationship between the two countries. Leaders from both sides also met business executives to discuss ways to further expand trade and investment.
Indian officials, however, made it clear that defence procurement decisions are based on national interest and practical needs. They stressed that closer cooperation with Germany does not signal a sudden shift away from Russia, which remains a major supplier of military equipment and energy to India.
India has consistently maintained that it follows a policy of strategic autonomy in its foreign relations. While it is open to expanding partnerships with countries like Germany, it continues to balance ties with traditional partners, including Russia, amid ongoing global uncertainty.
The visit highlights Germany’s wider push, along with other European countries, to strengthen ties with India as a key player in global security and economic networks.