Relevance: GS II (International Relations, Bilateral Groupings); Source: The Hindu / PIB

Context

Marking the 25th year of strategic ties, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India in January 2026. The summit signaled a decisive shift in German policy: moving away from a “trade-only” approach to becoming a hard security partner for India in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Outcomes (The “Big 3” Shifts)

  1. Defence (From Buyer to Co-Creator):
    • New Roadmap: Both nations agreed to move from “buyer-seller” ties to “co-development” of military hardware.
    • Submarines (Project-75I): Progress on Germany building 6 advanced submarines with AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) for the Indian Navy.
    • Security: Germany will deploy a Liaison Officer at the IFC-IOR (Gurugram), joining the US and France in monitoring the Indian Ocean.
  2. Green Energy (Strategic Clean Tech):
    • Green Hydrogen Deal: A major “offtake agreement” was signed—German firm Uniper will buy Green Ammonia from India. This turns India into an energy exporter for Europe.
    • Mobility: Germany pledged €1.24 billion for green projects like PM e-Bus Sewa.
  3. Migration (Demographic Fit):
    • Visa-Free Transit: Indian passport holders can now transit through German airports without a separate visa.
    • Skilled Labour: A pact to recruit Indian healthcare professionals, addressing Germany’s aging population crisis.

Why This Matters

  • Diversification: Germany explicitly stated that stronger defence ties help India reduce dependence on Russia.
  • Indo-Pacific Alignment: By joining the IFC-IOR, Germany is aligning with the “Quad” vision to counter Chinese assertiveness in the maritime domain.

UPSC Value Box

Term

Relevance for Prelims

IFC-IORInformation Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region. Hosted by the Indian Navy in Gurugram. It tracks White Shipping (commercial vessels) to improve maritime safety, not military tracking.
Project-75IA project to build 6 conventional submarines with AIP Technology. AIP allows non-nuclear subs to stay underwater for weeks (stealthier), unlike standard diesel-electric subs that must surface daily.
Green AmmoniaAmmonia produced using Green Hydrogen (renewable energy). It is a key fuel for decarbonizing heavy industries like shipping.

Q. With reference to the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a regional maritime security centre hosted by the Indian Navy in Gurugram.
  2. Its primary mandate is to track and share information on commercial “White Shipping” traffic.
  3. Germany has recently become a partner nation to deploy a Liaison Officer at the centre.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d)

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Recent Posts

Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success

Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.