Germany Ready to Sign India Submarine Deal After Approvals

Germany is ready to sign a proposed submarine partnership with India once New Delhi completes the required approvals, with the project focused on domestic production, technology transfer and maritime ecosystem development.

Germany is ready to proceed with the proposed submarine partnership with India once New Delhi completes the remaining approvals, German Ambassador to India Jasper Wieck says. He describes the proposed agreement as a technology partnership centred on manufacturing in India rather than a conventional purchase of submarines from Germany.

The partnership involves German defence company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and is expected to focus on producing the submarines in India and transferring relevant technologies to Indian industry. Wieck says the arrangement is designed to create broader benefits for companies operating across the countries' maritime and defence ecosystem.

Also read: India, Chile Advance CEPA Talks to Boost Bilateral Trade

According to the German envoy, Berlin is prepared to sign the agreement as soon as the Indian side completes the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. The final clearance process remains the key step before the two sides can formally begin the partnership.

The proposed programme forms part of India’s broader submarine modernisation plans under Project 75I. The programme envisages the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India through a strategic partnership involving Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and TKMS. The vessels are expected to incorporate Air Independent Propulsion technology, enabling longer underwater endurance.

Technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing remain central elements of the project. Earlier reports indicate that the Indian side is assessing the scope and long-term value of the technology transfer package before the proposal moves for final government clearance. The assessment is intended to determine the capabilities that can be developed within India for submarine construction, maintenance and future upgrades.

The proposed cooperation also builds on the wider defence relationship between India and Germany. In August, the two countries signed the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and an implementing arrangement for cooperation in UN peacekeeping training. The agreements seek to expand institutional cooperation, joint training, capacity building and defence capability development.

Also read: How Renewable Energy is emerging as India's Next Big Jobs Engine

For India, the submarine programme represents an opportunity to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and develop a wider industrial base around underwater defence technologies. For Germany, the partnership provides a framework for deeper defence-industrial engagement with India through local production, technology cooperation and long-term industrial collaboration. With the remaining Indian approvals awaited, Germany indicates that it is prepared to move forward with the agreement once the formal clearance process is completed.