Germany and India are nearing an $8 billion submarine deal
Berlin and New Delhi are working diligently to finalize a massive military deal aimed at producing advanced submarines worth up to $8 billion, which is expected to be the largest defense deal India has ever made, reflecting a remarkable development in the strategic relationship between the two countries.
International media outlets, most notably Bloomberg, quoted officials familiar with the negotiations as saying that Germany and India have reached an advanced stage in finalizing the agreement. This deal is particularly significant because it involves not only the purchase of the submarines but also a crucial component: the transfer of submarine production technology to India, which aligns with New Delhi's vision of bolstering its domestic military manufacturing capabilities.
Air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology
Sources indicated that the submarines planned for production will be equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. This technology represents a significant leap forward in the world of non-nuclear submarines, granting them a superior ability to remain submerged for much longer periods compared to conventional diesel-electric submarines, which require regular surfacing to recharge their batteries. This capability provides the submarines with enhanced stealth capabilities, making them extremely difficult for the enemy to detect.
The context of competition in the Indian Ocean
This move comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and fierce competition for maritime influence in the Indian Ocean region. Through its Project-75I submarine program, India seeks to modernize its aging navy to counter China's growing naval presence in the region. New Delhi recognizes that bolstering its naval forces with advanced stealth submarines is crucial for maintaining the balance of power and protecting its commercial and security interests in vital waterways.
Diversifying arms sources and moving away from traditional reliance
Strategically, this deal represents a significant shift in Indian defense policy, which has relied for decades on Russian weaponry. In light of current international developments, India is seeking to diversify its defense partners and turn westward, specifically to countries like France, the United States, and Germany, to acquire the latest military technologies. For Germany, this deal presents an opportunity to strengthen its defense industry's presence in Asia and solidify its partnership with the world's largest democracy, at a time when Berlin is striving to reduce its economic dependence on China and build new alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
