NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius in Berlin to further bolster the strategic defence partnership with the European nation. The two Ministers discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development & co-production of defence equipment, especially in the field of niche technologies. They also reaffirmed the commitment to enhance military-to-military cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership.

The Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Training were inked and exchanged during the meeting. Defence Minister termed his visit to Germany as a symbol of deep friendship, synergy and trust. The partnership has witnessed considerable momentum in defence cooperation over the last few years, especially after Boris Pistorius assumed the office of the Defence Minister of Germany.

Rajnath Singh brought out that the recent India-EU Security & Defence Partnership marks a significant step in deepening the collective engagement. Both Ministers agreed to leverage this framework, both bilaterally and in the wider European context for tangible outcomes that will strengthen regional stability, enhance joint capabilities, and reinforce the enduring Indo-German strategic alignment.

Defence Minister also underlined that in times of global uncertainties, India and Germany have provided much required stability and strength to the global economy. On the issue of terrorism, he stated that the menace in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned, unequivocally, without exception or justification.

The German Defence Minister appreciated the institutionalisation of service level staff talks and future bilateral military exercises. Defence Minister said that India is looking forward to the German Air Force’s participation in the next edition of Ex-TARANG SHAKTI which will be held in India in September/October this year.