German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discusses military logistics support pact on India visit

India and Germany are on the verge of finalizing a memorandum for logistics cooperation between their armed forces. This agreement aims to facilitate joint exercises and operational support within each other’s territories and nearby maritime regions, said Jasper Wieck, a senior German defense official.

To enhance maritime security ties, Germany will assign a liaison officer to India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who arrived in India on October 24, 2024, with eight top ministers, will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Both leaders will address the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, attended by about 800 business executives, and will participate in the 7th Inter-Governmental Consultations, where multiple agreements are expected.

Germany is actively seeking co-development and co-production opportunities in defense equipment. Wieck highlighted areas like underwater technology, where Germany’s TKMS is competing for India’s Project-75I submarine program. Other interests include cruise missiles and drones, with German companies like MBDA positioned as potential partners. Additionally, Germany and India plan a peacekeeping training agreement.

Germany’s recent focus document on India underscores its commitment as a reliable defense partner. Officials revealed that since German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ June 2023 visit, over 95% of export licenses for defense equipment to India have been cleared. This positions Germany as a key supplier in India’s defense landscape.

In parallel with Scholz’s visit, German frigate Baden-Württemberg and tanker Frankfurt Am Main conducted joint exercises with Indian Navy’s INS Delhi in the Bay of Bengal. These drills included cross-deck operations, weapon firing, and tactical maneuvers, all aimed at bolstering interoperability between the two navies.

India has similar logistics pacts with the Quad nations, France, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. These agreements allow reciprocal, non-binding access to each country’s military facilities for fuel and supplies, streamlining logistical support and enhancing operational readiness during overseas missions.