India Responds to Germany’s Call to Limit Reliance on Russia
Merz, on a two-day trip to India, told reporters that Berlin seeks deeper cooperation on security matters. “It is of particular strategic importance that we deepen cooperation between our defense industries. This strengthens both sides and also helps to make India less dependent on Russia, for example,” he was quoted as saying by AFP.
Responding Monday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri dismissed any suggestion that ideology shapes procurement decisions. “Our approach on defense sourcing is driven entirely by national interest. There are a lot of factors involved in that, and it is certainly not ideological, it is entirely driven by our interest,” he said. “So I would not say that sourcing from one is linked to sourcing from another.”
Talks are ongoing between Berlin and New Delhi over a potential deal for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to construct six submarines for the Indian Navy. Misri noted that “All I can say is that discussions have maintained a positive momentum,” citing technical, financial, and commercial negotiations.
India’s defense portfolio remains diverse, with France, Israel, and the United States among its major suppliers. Yet Russia continues to dominate: roughly 60% of India’s military hardware originates from Moscow, and both nations have signaled intent to deepen cooperation further.
In August 2025, New Delhi cleared defense purchases worth $7.6 billion, including additional BrahMos missiles developed under an Indo-Russian joint venture. Another $8.5 billion in acquisitions was approved in December.
Over the past two decades, Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, has signed contracts with India valued at $50 billion, covering equipment such as engines for T-72 tanks—the backbone of the Indian Army’s armored fleet.
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