Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday reaffirmed their shared commitment to significantly strengthening defence and security cooperation, underscoring growing strategic convergence between India and Germany amid evolving global security challenges.

During bilateral talks held in Ahmedabad, the two leaders agreed to deepen military-to-military engagement through joint exercises, training programmes and regular exchanges of senior defence officials. They also noted with satisfaction the steady increase in reciprocal port calls by naval vessels of both countries, reflecting enhanced maritime cooperation.

A key outcome of the meeting was the launch of a new Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue, designed to bring together government officials and strategic experts to address regional and global security issues in a structured manner. The initiative is expected to complement existing institutional mechanisms and add momentum to the strategic partnership.

Following the talks, Prime Minister Modi described Chancellor Merz’s visit as a milestone, noting that it coincides with 25 years of India–Germany Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations. He highlighted that Germany choosing India as the destination for Merz’s first visit to Asia reflects Berlin’s strong political commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Both leaders agreed to elevate the partnership to a “qualitatively higher level,” with expanded cooperation in defence, space, and critical and emerging technologies. Discussions also covered collaboration on climate action, resilient and trusted supply chains, skilling and education, sports, and deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In the defence domain, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Germany’s intention to participate in major Indian-led naval and air exercises, including Naval Exercise MILAN, the 9th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in February 2026, and the Air Combat Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ in September 2026. Germany’s decision to deploy a Liaison Officer to the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was also acknowledged as a step toward enhanced maritime domain awareness.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) under the Eurodrone MALE UAV programme, which aims to facilitate access to advanced military technologies and deepen India’s defence ties with Europe.

They welcomed the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent to develop a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, focusing on long-term industry collaboration, technology partnerships, co-development and co-production of defence platforms. India appreciated Germany’s efforts to streamline export clearances for defence equipment, while both sides lauded growing interaction between Indian and German defence companies through regular industry roundtables.

On counter-terrorism, the two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. They reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated international efforts against terrorist networks, financing and safe havens, including cooperation under the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee framework.

People-to-people ties were described as a vital pillar of the partnership. Both leaders welcomed increasing exchanges of students, researchers, professionals and tourists, and expressed willingness to strengthen legal mobility and cooperation against irregular migration through effective implementation of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA).