Defence Minister & his German counterpart hold bilateral talks in Berlin to bolster strategic defence partnership

• India and Germany ink Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap & Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Training

• Terrorism in all its forms & manifestations must be condemned, unequivocally, without exception or justification: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence Mr Boris Pistorius in Berlin on April 22, 2026 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 Mr Boris Pistorius assumed the office of the Defence Minister of Germany.

Defence Minister 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.

Prior to the meeting, Rajnath Singh was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the German Ministry of Defence.

Earlier, Defence Minister placed a wreath at Bundeswehr Memorial as a mark of respect. It is the central memorial for the Bundeswehr’s personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

India & Germany have completed 25 years of Strategic Partnership and are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. On the bilateral front, the relationship today is truly multi-faceted. Apart from Defence, it covers a wide range of areas which include trade and investment, technology and innovation, development cooperation, green energy, higher education, sustainable solutions, culture and people-to-people ties. It demonstrates the depth and expanse as well as the potential & promise of a partnership.