India, Germany agree to deepen bilateral defence ties

NEW DELHI: India and Germany tonight decided to deepen their bilateral defence ties, especially in the wake of the 'Make in India' initiative.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar held talks with his visiting German counterpart Ursula von der Leyen here till late evening.

"The talks focussed on deepening bilateral defence ties. Germany is an important partner for us when it comes to the Make in India initiative," defence sources here said.

The visiting German minister also visited the Army Research and Referral Hospital, the flagship medical unit of the Armed Forces Medical Services here.

She will also visit the Western Naval Command in Mumbai and hold talks with Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice Admiral SP Singh Cheema, and tour the Indian Navy ship INS Mumbai.

From Mumbai, on May 28, Leyen will proceed to Singapore, where she will participate in the Shangri-La Asia Security Summit.

In October, Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit India for the next round of Intergovernmental Consultations chaired by the two government heads.