Germany Defence Minister To Visit India For ₹50,000 Crore Submarines Deal
Germany Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will visit India on 6th June 2023 to fulfill the deal of submarines worth ₹50,000 crore for the Indian Navy.
The visit of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to India in June holds significant importance as Germany is competing for a lucrative ₹50,000 crore deal to manufacture six submarines for the Indian Navy.
The Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the submarine deal was issued approximately two years ago, and responses from Indian firms Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are expected in August. Germany, along with South Korea and other countries, is in the race for this prestigious contract.
During his two-day visit starting from June 6, Minister Pistorius is scheduled to hold discussions with several key figures in South Block, including Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The submarine deal is of great significance as the Indian Navy currently faces a shortage of conventional submarines.
Germany has previously supplied submarines to India, with the HDW boats still in service. Additionally, India’s fleet includes French Scorpene submarines, manufactured in India by MDL.
India’s approach towards all visitors now emphasizes self-reliance (Atmanirbharata), the Make in India initiative, and making for the world.
The submarine deal, whether with MDL or L&T, will align with the Make in India objective. The discussions are expected to cover further investments in the defense sector as well.
In parallel to these developments, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also preparing to visit Nigeria, an African country.
This visit is part of India’s efforts to strengthen ties with African militaries. Army Chief General Manoj Pande recently visited the continent, engaging in exercises with African armies.
He is going to participate in a conclave involving most African nations. India is keen to sell weapons to friendly African countries as part of its outreach efforts.
The ₹50,000 crore submarine deal for the Indian Navy underscores India’s focus on modernizing its defense capabilities and strengthening its naval fleet.
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Collaborating with Germany in this venture would not only address the fulfillment of submarines but also contribute to India’s goal of fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector.
