New Delhi, January 7, 2026, 01:26 p.m. IST: India and Germany are set to strengthen defence ties with a landmark submarine deal under Project 75I. Explore how Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s 2026 visit could accelerate technology transfer, joint R&D, and Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares for his inaugural visit to India on January 12-13, 2026, the spotlight is firmly on the evolving defence partnership between the two nations. Amid shared priorities in maritime security, technology transfer, and Indo-Pacific stability, the bilateral relationship is entering a transformative phase.
The potential finalization of India’s largest-ever defence contract Project 75I for six advanced conventional submarines, symbolizes this momentum, with negotiations advancing rapidly and high-level diplomacy providing the catalyst.
Current Momentum: Mega Deals and Operational Engagements
The most prominent development is Project 75I (P-75I), a ₹70,000-90,000 crore initiative to procure and indigenously build six diesel-electric submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.
Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), partnering with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), emerged as the frontrunner in early 2025 after rivals, including Spain’s Navantia, were disqualified for non-compliance with proven AIP requirements.
Formal negotiations began in September 2025 following Cabinet Committee on Security approval in August. The deal emphasizes 60% indigenous content, full technology transfer including AIP, combat systems, and propulsion and design handover to enable future Indian submarine programs like Project-76.
Officials anticipate contract signing by March 2026, aligning with the fiscal year-end, though Chancellor Merz’s visit could accelerate announcements or interim agreements.
Beyond submarines, 2025 witnessed tangible progress. In November, India and Germany inked a pact for co-producing LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance Systems for helicopters, enhancing low-level flight safety a rare high-value technology transfer in decades.
At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Germany’s HENSOLDT signed a contract for advanced avionics and sensors.
Operational ties are deepening too. Germany participated in India’s Tarang Shakti air exercise in 2024 and confirmed involvement in the 2026 editions of Tarang Shakti and the multinational naval exercise MILAN. A German Navy frigate and support vessel are slated for an Indian port call in early 2026, fostering interoperability.
The November 2025 High Defence Committee meeting in New Delhi, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Germany’s Jens Plotner, prioritized co-development in niche technologies like AI, cyber, and electronic warfare. Germany’s eased export controls removing restrictions on over 100 defence items further facilitate collaboration.
Future Prospects: A Strategic Pivot
Looking ahead, 2026 promises qualitative leaps. Chancellor Merz’s visit, including engagements in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, will review strategic partnerships and potentially endorse submarine progress.
Broader horizons include joint R&D in quantum technologies, semiconductors with defence applications, and ammunition production via partnerships like Rheinmetall-Reliance.
India’s push for diversification from Russian supplies aligns with Germany’s “Zeitenwende” rearmament policy, creating synergies for co-production. Potential areas span fighter jets, missile systems, and nuclear submarine technologies, while supporting EU-India security dialogues.
Challenges persist, including aligning timelines and ensuring technology sovereignty, but mutual benefits India’s market and talent, Germany’s engineering precision drive optimism.
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Historical Context: From Modest Beginnings to Strategic Depth
The India-Germany defence relationship traces roots to the 1950s, when post-war West Germany aided India’s early military industrialization through technical expertise and ordnance support. Cold War constraints limited deeper ties, with India leaning on Soviet equipment amid non-alignment.
Post-reunification in 1990, interactions grew sporadically via training and visits. Formalization came in 2006 with the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement, followed by a 2007 pact on classified information exchange. The 2010s featured incremental steps, including anti-terrorism support and maritime dialogues.
Momentum built in the 2020s: Germany’s 2022 Zeitenwende policy converged with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance drive. Key milestones include German Air Force Chief visits in 2023, naval port calls, and India’s Chief of Defence Staff meetings in 2025. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s engagements emphasized counter-terrorism solidarity and Indo-Pacific alignment.
Historically pragmatic rather than prolific, the partnership has evolved from economic focus to strategic necessity, reflecting shared democratic values and global shifts.
Toward a Resilient Alliance
The India-Germany defence nexus, once peripheral, now anchors broader strategic ties. From the impending P-75I breakthrough to joint exercises and tech pacts, it addresses India’s fleet modernization and Germany’s Asian outreach. As Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Modi engage, this partnership not only bolsters national securities but contributes to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order, underscoring collaboration in an uncertain world.
