Berlin — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin on April 22 during a three-day official visit to Germany (April 21–23). The delegation-level talks focused on deepening bilateral defence ties and expanding cooperation across multiple areas.
According to a Ministry of Defence release, the discussions covered defence industrial collaboration, enhanced military-to-military exchanges, and potential partnerships in emerging domains such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems. The two ministers also exchanged gifts as a mark of the growing strategic relationship between India and Germany.
Singh received a ceremonial welcome at the German Ministry of Defence, including military honours, and laid a wreath at the Ehrenmal der Bundeswehr to pay respects to fallen soldiers. These formalities marked the start of his official engagements in the country, which included engagements with the Indian community and a session before the German Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and Security.
Earlier in the visit, Singh addressed the Indian diaspora in Berlin, calling the community a ‘‘living bridge’’ that links the two nations and praising its contributions to Germany. He underscored India’s balanced diplomatic stance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said India remains open to playing a constructive role in peace efforts when circumstances allow. He also highlighted India’s efforts to ensure maritime stability, noting how such measures have helped Indian vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz safely.
In his address to the German parliamentary committee, Singh stressed India’s concerns about energy security, warning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have immediate implications for India’s economy and national security given its dependence on West Asian energy supplies.
The visit is aimed at strengthening a strategic defence partnership, with both sides exploring closer industrial ties, cooperation on advanced technologies and expanded military collaboration.
