(Technical Repetition)
AHMEDABAD (dpa-AFX) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a joint development plan for future cooperation with Germany in the field of defense. He expressed his gratitude to Chancellor Friedrich Merz for simplifying regulations regarding the trade of armaments, Modi said during Merz's visit to India. "We will draw up a roadmap to increase cooperation between our defense sectors." Both sides will look for corresponding opportunities for joint development and production.
Earlier, the Chancellor had signed a memorandum of understanding between the defense ministries of both countries in Ahmedabad, in the western Indian state of Gujarat, which foresees the expansion of cooperation in this sector. No contracts for specific projects were concluded at this stage. However, India intends to build six submarines in Mumbai, in cooperation with the German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), worth eight billion euros. The signing of an agreement on this is expected shortly and could serve as a door-opener for further cooperation.
Chancellor Merz's visit has given new impetus and brought trust to the relations between the two countries, Modi emphasized. The Chancellor's first trip to Asia is "strong evidence of the importance he attaches to relations with India." Merz is being accompanied on his two-day trip by a large business delegation./dg/DP/stk
