Germany, a top arms exporter, has minimal presence in India’s defence market, but Russia’s focus on Ukraine presents an opportunity to enhance ties amid shifting Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Tarang Shakti: A Landmark Multilateral Air Exercise
- First Participation of German Luftwaffe: The German Air Force participated in Indian airspace for the first time during Phase I of Tarang Shakti, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in August.
- The “German Luftwaffe” refers to the air force of Germany.
India’s Defence Partnerships
- India’s Top Defense Suppliers: Russia, France, the U.S., Israel, and South Korea.
- Russia’s Dominance: Historically, Russia has been India’s top defence supplier.
- Russia used to be the second-largest defence supplier globally, particularly strong in the low-cost segment.
- NATO and Israeli Equipment: Defense equipment from NATO and Israel is typically more expensive, limiting their role in the low-cost market.
- Rising Influence of France and the U.S: France and the U.S. have expanded their defence cooperation with India in recent years.
- China’s Limited Appeal as a Defence Supplier
- Potential Replacement for Russia: China is the only country that could replace Russia in the low-cost defence segment.
- Indian Perspective: For India, turning to China as a defence supplier is not a desirable option.
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- Biennial Exercise Announcement: It was announced that Tarang Shakti will become a biennial event.
- Significance of Tarang Shakti: Tarang Shakti served as preparation for Pacific Skies 24.
- Pacific Skies 24 is the largest joint air exercise by France, Germany, and Spain in the Indo-Pacific.
- German Air Force’s Perspective on Tarang Shakti
- Non-Aggression Stance: It was emphasised that the exercise was not targeted against any particular nation but aimed at strengthening partnerships.
- Operational Scale: The Luftwaffe flew 1.3 million kilometres during Tarang Shakti, comparable to an entire year’s flight hours for one German organisation.
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India-Germany Defence Cooperation
- Nascent Stage: Despite being among the top global arms exporters, Germany’s defence relationship with India is relatively nascent, but it sees growing opportunities, especially due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
- 2006 Defence Agreement: The Indo-German agreement on security and defence cooperation, signed in 2006, aimed at training, technology transfer, and joint defence projects.
- ThyssenKrupp-MDL Partnership: In 2023, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) signed an MoU for local submarine construction for the Indian Navy, highlighting deepening ties.
- They have worked for the modernisation of the Indian submarine INS Shankush and have also jointly bid for the $4.8 billion Project 75 (India) programme for the construction of diesel submarines.
- While TKMS would be responsible for the submarine design, engineering, and consultancy, MDL would manage the construction and delivery to the Indian Navy.
Key Issues Involved
- Technology Transfer: Technology transfer is one of the major pre-conditions for defence partnerships as India also focuses on manufacturing defence equipment domestically. While technology transfer is crucial, it could limit high-end technology exchange.
- Interoperability Challenges: India operates a mix of Russian and Western defence platforms, which poses integration challenges but also offers flexibility in collaborations with European partners like Germany.
Reasons for Germany’s Interest in the Indo-Pacific region
- Strategic Importance of Indo-Pacific: The region hosts nine of the world’s ten largest ports, making it crucial for international trade and security.
- Germany’s involvement in Indo-Pacific security is driven by its interest in preserving free and stable shipping routes.
- Chinese Aggression: China’s construction of artificial islands and establishment of military bases in the South China Sea threatens regional peace and disrupts sea routes, resources, and fishing rights.
- Economic Ties with China: Despite political concerns, Germany’s substantial trade with China complicates its stance on regional security.
- Germany’s Military Presence as a Political Signal: Germany’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific signifies its commitment to enforcing international rules, even in unregulated waters.
- Post-Russia-Ukraine War Shift: The Russia-Ukraine war and closer Russia-China ties are prompting Europe, including Germany, to shift focus toward the Indo-Pacific as a key geopolitical area.
- Economic Stakes: With 60% of global economic output coming from the region, Germany’s export-driven economy is directly impacted.
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Way Forward
Despite facing global challenges, Germany’s evolving foreign policy now places significant emphasis on a robust partnership with India. This strategic alignment has the potential to not only enhance bilateral relations but also strengthen the European Union’s broader engagement with India.
Collaborations and Shared Goals between India and Germany
- Support for UNSC Expansion: India and Germany, along with Japan and Brazil, are jointly advocating for UNSC reforms and permanent membership under the G-4 framework.
- CDRI Membership: Germany became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in 2020, reflecting its commitment to enhancing global infrastructure resilience.
- International Solar Alliance: Germany is an active member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an initiative launched by India to promote solar energy and sustainable development.
- Aligned Indo-Pacific Strategies: Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy aligns closely with India’s approach, indicating a shared vision for regional stability and cooperation.
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September 11, 2024
