Berlin, Germany - In a move signaling a significant shift in its strategic approach, Germany has unveiled a new policy paper, "Focus on India," outlining its ambition to bolster security, economic, and energy ties with New Delhi.
This initiative, approved by the German cabinet on Wednesday, aims to reduce India's reliance on Russian arms and deepen collaboration across multiple sectors.
The announcement comes ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to India, scheduled for later this month, where he will be accompanied by at least eight cabinet ministers for intergovernmental consultations. The visit is expected to further solidify the growing partnership between the two nations.
One of the key pillars of the "Focus on India" paper is enhanced security cooperation. Berlin seeks to conclude an agreement with India on reciprocal logistical support for their armed forces, facilitating the deployment of the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) in the Indo-Pacific region.
This initiative builds on recent instances of military collaboration, such as the German frigate Bayern's port call in Mumbai in 2022 and the upcoming visit of the frigate Baden-Württemberg and a replenishment ship to Goa. These vessels will participate in joint maneuvers with the Indian Navy, mirroring the German Air Force's involvement in the Tarang Shakti exercise hosted by India in August.
Beyond military exercises, Germany is keen to expand its defence industry's footprint in India. The "Focus on India" paper explicitly states Berlin's desire for India to rely more on German arms companies, thereby reducing its dependence on Russian weaponry.
This ambition is underscored by German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Services' (TMSS) bid for the Indian Navy's P75 submarine project, a contract for six conventional diesel-electric submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology.
Germany also recognizes the importance of deepening economic ties with India, particularly in light of its efforts to diversify and strengthen its supply chains. While acknowledging the existing strong economic partnerships with China and Russia, Berlin seeks to expand its economic footprint in India, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The "Focus on India" paper highlights the potential for cooperation in renewable energy expansion, green hydrogen economy, and critical raw materials.
Furthermore, Germany has expressed strong support for a comprehensive free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU), currently under negotiation. Addressing India's concerns over the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a border tax on carbon-intensive imports, Berlin has pledged to advocate for a constructive dialogue between India and the EU, focusing on economic incentives for climate action.
The "Focus on India" paper also identifies other areas of potential collaboration, including labor mobility, sustainable development, support for UN reform, and triangular cooperation with third countries, particularly in Africa. This multifaceted approach signals Germany's commitment to fostering a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership with India.
