India-Germany Sign 19 Strategic Deals to Boost Defence, Tech and Minerals Cooperation

India and Germany have taken a major step to strengthen their strategic partnership by signing multiple agreements across key sectors. The deals focus on defense manufacturing, advanced technology, critical minerals and trade cooperation. This move reflects growing trust between the two nations and aims to support economic growth, innovation and global supply chain resilience.

Why in the News?

India and Germany signed 19 agreements and joint declarations. The deals were finalized after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The agreements span defense, trade, critical minerals, semiconductors and emerging technologies. Both countries agreed to enhance co-development and co-production in defense manufacturing. Cooperation will also cover digitalization, telecommunications, health and bio-economy, strengthening long-term industrial and research partnerships.

Defense and Security Partnership

India and Germany agreed to deepen defense industrial cooperation through joint production, training and military exercises. Naval cooperation will expand with regular port calls and exchanges. A new Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue will improve strategic coordination on regional and global security issues.

Technology, Semiconductors and Minerals

A key outcome is the India–Germany Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership. Both sides will collaborate across the semiconductor value chain, from research to manufacturing. In critical minerals, cooperation will focus on exploration, processing, recycling and securing supply chains vital for clean energy and high-tech industries.

Trade, Mobility and Global Engagement

Bilateral trade between India and Germany has crossed $50 billion. A major people-friendly step is visa-free airport transit through Germany for Indian passport holders, easing travel. Over 2,000 German companies operating in India highlight strong economic confidence and long-term engagement.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. India and Germany recently signed agreements mainly covering which sectors?

A) Agriculture and tourism
B) Defence, technology and critical minerals
C) Education and culture
D) Space and sports