India Urges Germany for Stronger Defence Cooperation, Eased Exports

Why in the news?

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar called for enhanced defence ties with Germany and urged the nation to ease export controls, focusing on collaboration in green energy and technology sectors.

About Greater Defence Cooperation & Export Controls:

  • External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasised enhancing defence cooperation between India and Germany.
  • He urged Germany to ease export controls, particularly as India’s private sector in defence expands.
  • External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed these issues during the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference in Berlin.

Green Partnership Progress

  • Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.
  • India and Germany have concluded 38 agreements valued at 3.22 billion Euros.
  • The focus areas include green hydrogen, green ammonia, and other sustainable technologies.

Areas for Collaboration & China Relations

  • He encouraged Germany to increase its engagement in the Indo-Pacific, while India reciprocated in the Euro-Atlantic.
  • The minister highlighted sectors for cooperation such as AI, electric mobility, space, semiconductors, and green energy.
  • In China, Dr. Jaishankar clarified that India is open to business but stressed the importance of fair business terms.

Key Facts About Germany:

  • Bordering Countries: Shares borders with France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Poland.
  • Location: Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and North Sea.
  • Rivers: Danube, Rhine, Ems, Weser, Elbe, Oder.
  • Forests: The Black Forest Germany’s largest wooded area, located near the Swiss border and source of the Danube River.
  • Government: Federal parliamentary republic; President is the head of state, Chancellor is the head of government.
  • Main Industrial Regions: Ruhr, Hanover, Munich, Frankfurt am Main, and Stuttgart.

Key points:India-Germany Defence Cooperation:

  • Defence Agreement (2006): Provides a framework for bilateral defence cooperation.
  • Classified Information Sharing: The Arrangement on Implementation of the Agreement allows both nations to share classified information.
  • Naval Cooperation: Indian and German navy ships conduct regular anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.
  • Joint Military Exercise: The first-ever Franco-Indian-German military exercise is planned for 2024.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times