Germany seeks closer security cooperation with India to reduce reliance on Russia

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany will pursue closer security cooperation with India to reduce India's reliance on Russia; the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding and additional agreements on critical minerals, health and an AI innovation centre.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany wants closer security cooperation with India to reduce India's reliance on Russia during his visit to Ahmedabad. The visit is Mr Merz's first trip to India. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation and also agreed on critical minerals, the health sector and an artificial intelligence innovation centre. Germany has raised concerns about India's continued defence and energy links with Russia, and has asked India to prevent circumvention of sanctions and to cut energy imports, requests India has so far rejected. Key facts: - Merz said Germany seeks closer cooperation with India on security issues to lower India's reliance on Russia. - A memorandum of understanding on security cooperation was signed during Merz's visit. - Additional agreements covered critical minerals, the health sector and an AI innovation centre. - India still maintains substantial defence and energy ties with Russia, including equipment procurement and purchases of gas and oil. - Germany urged India to prevent Indian companies from circumventing sanctions on Russia and to reduce energy imports; India has not accepted those demands. - Merz called for India and the European Union to conclude free trade negotiations, aiming to provide impetus for an agreement by the end of January. Summary: The MoU and related agreements formalise steps toward closer cooperation on security, supply chains and technology between Germany and India. Merz also pressed for a conclusion to EU‑India free trade talks, with his visit intended to help reach an agreement by the end of January. Further developments will depend on follow-up negotiations and responses from both governments; the outcome is undetermined at this time.