India, Germany Near 8 Billion Submarine Deal

India and Germany are poised to finalize an 8 billion defense agreement for the construction of advanced submarines, a deal expected to be signed within the next three months, according to statements from top officials during bilateral talks in Berlin. The pact, highlighted during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's three-day visit to Germany from April 21 to 23, represents one of the largest military collaborations between the two nations and underscores India's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities through domestic manufacturing.

The agreement centers on Project 75 India, under which Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will partner with India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders to produce six diesel-electric submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion systems. These submarines will be built primarily in India, emphasizing technology transfer from the German side to support local production. Officials from both countries described the deal as a key step in India's push for self-reliance in defense, aligning with the government's Make in India initiative to reduce dependence on foreign imports.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed strong confidence in the...