Rajnath Singh's Strategic Visit to Germany: A Leap Towards Defence Collaboration

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Germany for three days to finalize a defence industrial roadmap aimed at enhancing military collaboration. This visit will focus on co-development and co-production of military hardware, with discussions on cybersecurity and AI. Singh's trip marks a significant step in strengthening ties between India and Germany, with potential agreements on stealth submarines and joint initiatives under the 'Make in India' program. This visit is notable as it is the first by an Indian defence minister to Germany in seven years, following Nirmala Sitharaman's trip in 2019.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 14:14 IST

Strengthening Defence Ties with Germany

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a three-day trip to Germany starting Tuesday, aimed at finalizing a bilateral defence industrial roadmap.

This roadmap is designed to establish a framework for both nations to engage in the co-development and co-production of various military equipment, according to officials.

During his time in Berlin, Singh will engage in extensive discussions with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, along with other senior officials.

The agenda will include enhancing defence industrial partnerships, bolstering military-to-military relations, and exploring new opportunities in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and drone technology, as stated by the defence ministry prior to Singh's departure.

It is anticipated that a defence industrial cooperation roadmap and an agreement for collaboration in UN Peacekeeping operations training will be signed during the meeting of the two defence ministers.

The defence and security relationship between India and Germany has been strengthening, with a notable increase in defence exports from Germany to India following the relaxation of export controls and expedited case clearances.

There is also a chance that the two ministers will finalize an inter-governmental agreement for the provision of six stealth submarines to the Indian Navy.

German defence giant ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) are currently in price negotiations with the defence ministry for a €5 billion contract to deliver these submarines, which is considered one of the largest 'Make in India' initiatives in recent years.

The defence ministry highlighted that Singh's visit will serve as a platform to assess ongoing defence collaborations and explore new opportunities for cooperation between the defence sectors of both nations.

Singh is also expected to meet with key figures from the German defence industry to promote joint development and co-production under the 'Make in India' initiative.

This visit marks the first by an Indian defence minister to Germany in seven years, with the last being Nirmala Sitharaman's visit in February 2019.

Pistorius had previously visited India in June 2023, where he engaged in comprehensive discussions with Singh.