Germany looks to strengthen defence, military ties with India

25/10/2024 16:13

        German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday he wanted to deepen defence ties with New Delhi and bring the two countries' militaries closer, in comments following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
        
        Germany, which has not traditionally had close defence ties with India, is now pitching to join the latter's effort to wean its arms base from decades of dependence on Russia, at a time when the West seeks to counter China's growing influence.
        
        "Our overall message is clear, we need more co-operation, not less," Scholz said.
        
        "At our inter-governmental consultations with India, we also want to deepen co-operation in defence and agree to bring our militaries together."
        
        Scholz, accompanied by most of his cabinet, is leading a high-level delegation to New Delhi, betting that greater access to the vast Indian market can reduce Germany's reliance on China.