In light of escalating tensions with China, Germany is gearing up to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific region through military exercises alongside India. Recent setbacks, including an attack on America’s MQ-9 drone and leaked audio from top military officials, have spurred Germany to enhance defense cooperation with India. This effort aligns with a broader coalition involving European nations like France, Britain, and Spain, all uniting with India to counter Chinese interference in the Indian Ocean.
According to reports in the public domain, the German Navy, which entered the battlefield for the first time after World War II, recently tried to shoot down the MQ-9 Reaper drone of its own ally America in the Red Sea. The German Navy suspected that this drone belonged to the Houthi rebels of Yemen. But twice the German Navy was unable to target the MQ-9 drone (an embarrassment for the German Navy in the Red Sea).
Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s neutral stance and continued trade with Russia have underscored the importance of bolstering military ties with India for Germany and other European countries.
As Germany seeks to fortify its position in the Indo-Pacific plans are underway for joint military exercises and long-term deployments of German forces in India. This strategic shift reflects Germany’s recognition of India as a key partner in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in response to China’s assertive actions.
This year, for the first time in the month of October, Germany is going to conduct a major war exercise with India. France, Britain and Spain will also participate in this exercise. This will be the first time that India and Germany will come together.
Russia-Ukraine War
The military relations of Germany and other European countries with India are also being linked to the Russia-Ukraine war, as India has played a neutral role in the Ukraine war.
Despite worldwide sanctions, India has continued trade with Russia including purchasing arms. India has made it clear that the Russia-Ukraine war is Europe’s problem and in such a situation western nations should deal with each other.
This is the reason why Germany also wants to strengthen military relations with India in view of India’s growing stature under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Germany wants to increase cooperation with India and like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific. According to reports in a section of the media, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann admits that earlier Germany was confused about defense relations with India, but now wants to strengthen its relations with India apart from NATO.
To make its involvement in the Indo-Pacific region long-term, Germany has planned to deploy a large number of military forces in India. As reported previously by Financial Express Online, later this year (October, dates are not announced yet) the German Air Force along with Spain, France and Britain will carry out a multilateral drill in India.
The Indian Air Force is going to organize a multinational military exercise in South India later this year and Germany is expected to deploy military aircraft including fighter planes, tankers and transport planes to the air force exercises. Also on the anvil is the arrival of a German naval warship in October in Goa.
The announcement has been made after the India-Germany Higher Defense Committee meeting in Berlin. The German Embassy also launched the logo of the German-Indian Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) on Wednesday.
According to German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, “The change in Germany’s thinking has come due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and China’s expansionist attitude. China has put aside all international rules in the Indo-Pacific region, after which Germany has decided to increase cooperation with its strategic partners outside the NATO region. Germany feels that India is a very good partner in the region for strategic cooperation as both countries have many common interests and values.”
Germany & Submarines
Germany has also offered to build six stealth submarines under India’s Project 75 (I). However, Spain’s Navantia company is also in the race for this.