Rajnath Singh Invites German Industry to Co-Develop Defence Technologies

India has called on German industry leaders to deepen collaboration in defence manufacturing and advanced technologies, with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh positioning the country as a reliable, long-term partner in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Addressing Indian and German defence industry leaders at the Defence Investor Summit in Munich on 23 April 2026, Singh emphasised that shifting geopolitical dynamics, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological change are driving nations to seek trusted, resilient partnerships.

India Positions Itself as a Strategic Defence Partner

Highlighting India's strengths, the Defence Minister underscored the country's expanding market, skilled workforce, and rapidly evolving industrial ecosystem as key advantages for global investors.

He noted that stability, policy predictability, and adherence to the rule of law are increasingly critical in investment decisions amid global uncertainty.

"Nations and industries are re-evaluating their dependencies, diversifying supply chains, and seeking reliable partners who ensure resilience, continuity and mutual trust," Singh said.

Focus on Co-Development and Niche Technologies

In a strong push for collaborative innovation, Singh invited German companies to partner with Indian firms in co-developing and co-producing advanced defence systems. Key focus areas include:

• Advanced radar and sensor technologies

• Multi-sensor systems

• AI-enabled unmanned aerial systems (UAS)

• Sonobuoys and underwater communication technologies

He highlighted the untapped potential under initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Europe's ReArm Europe, calling for joint efforts to build future-ready defence capabilities.

From Buyer to Co-Creator: India's Defence Shift

The Minister made it clear that India is transitioning from being a major importer of defence equipment to becoming a co-creator and manufacturing hub.

"We are moving towards a model where India is not merely a buyer of defence equipment, but a partner in design, development, and production," he said, adding that this shift opens significant opportunities for global industry players.

He stressed that India's pursuit of self-reliance is not isolationist but rather aimed at building collaborative capabilities with trusted international partners.

Defence Sector at the Core of Economic Strategy

Singh placed the defence industry at the centre of India's broader vision to become a developed nation by 2047, noting its role in driving technological innovation, job creation, and economic resilience.

He pointed out that India's defence ecosystem promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, fostering:

• Startup growth

• Development of niche technologies

• Strengthening of domestic and global supply chains

"A strong defence industrial base contributes not only to national security but also to economic resilience and global competitiveness," he said.

Investor-Friendly Reforms Strengthen India's Appeal

Over the past decade, India has undertaken extensive reforms to improve ease of doing business, including:

• Liberalised investment norms

• Strengthened regulatory frameworks

• Significant infrastructure development

Singh emphasised that these measures have created a transparent and predictable policy environment, making India an attractive destination for long-term investment.

He also highlighted India's vibrant innovation ecosystem, supported by flagship initiatives such as Start-Up India, Digital India, and Skill India, which have enabled rapid growth in engineering and technology capabilities.

Strengthening India-Germany Defence Ties

The Minister acknowledged the growing depth of India-Germany defence relations, with increasing focus on industrial partnerships and joint capability development.

"Both nations are aligning their industries to create resilient supply chains for defence equipment, particularly in response to geopolitical shifts," he said.

During his visit, Singh also:

• Held bilateral talks with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin

• Oversaw the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap

• Finalised an Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Training

In addition, he visited the TKMS submarine manufacturing facility in Kiel, exploring collaboration opportunities in advanced maritime and naval technologies.

A Long-Term Strategic Vision

Framing the partnership as a long-term strategic proposition, Singh said India offers not just a market, but a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation, manufacturing, and global supply chain integration.

"This is not a short-term opportunity. It is a long-term strategic proposition," he said, inviting German industry to participate in shaping the next phase of India's growth story.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the next chapter of India-Germany relations will be defined by innovation, capability, and strategic cooperation, building on a legacy of collaboration in technology and enterprise.