Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a three-day official trip to Germany, commencing on April 21. The visit seeks to enhance defence industrial collaboration, bolster military-to-military relations, and explore opportunities in emerging sectors. This marks Singh’s first visit to Germany since he assumed office in 2019, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement.

Landed in Berlin on a three day visit to Germany.

Looking forward to have a fruitful meeting with my German counterpart and also interact with the key representatives of the German defence industry, with a view to promoting joint development and co-production under the… pic.twitter.com/O0qCMiKPED

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 21, 2026

The last Indian defence minister to visit Germany was Nirmala Sitharaman in February 2019. Singh’s visit comes shortly after German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’s trip to India in June 2023, during which comprehensive discussions were held on strengthening defence ties between the two nations.

During the current visit, Singh is anticipated to meet with his German counterpart and other senior officials to deepen the strategic partnership. The timing of the visit is particularly relevant, with ongoing negotiations between India and Germany to finalise a next-generation submarine deal under Project 75I, estimated at around Rs 90,000 crore.

Overview of Project 75I

Project 75I is a strategic initiative aimed at significantly enhancing the conventional submarine fleet of the Indian Navy. The project involves the construction of six advanced diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, offering improved stealth and operational endurance.

The submarines are proposed to be built in India through a strategic partnership involving Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The initiative seeks to achieve 45–60 per cent indigenisation aligned with the government’s ‘Make in India’ policy.

Initially conceptualised nearly a decade ago, formal discussions concerning the project began in 2020. Current reports indicate that cost negotiations are at an advanced stage, with MDL and TKMS nearing finalisation of the contract. Once concluded, this agreement is expected to represent one of the most substantial defence collaborations between India and Germany.

Importance of the Submarine Deal

Recent global conflicts, particularly in West Asia, have highlighted the critical need for maritime security and a robust naval presence. The Indian Navy has played a pivotal role in safeguarding vital shipping lanes and has been active in escorting vessels through sensitive passages, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Project 75I is deemed essential for modernising India’s ageing conventional submarine fleet. It directly addresses the increasing maritime activities of China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region. AIP-enabled submarines will enhance operational effectiveness by remaining submerged for extended periods, thus improving stealth capabilities in diverse maritime environments.

As of April 2026, India operates a total of 20 submarines, consisting of 17 under the Indian Navy and three nuclear submarines managed by the Strategic Forces Command. The latest addition to the nuclear fleet is INS Aridaman, while conventional options include the latest Scorpène-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, commissioned in January 2025.

Future Outlook for the Submarine Project

Despite encountering delays over the years, sources suggest that once the contract for Project 75I is signed, the initial batch of new-generation submarines could be delivered within four to five years. The anticipated enhancements in capabilities offered by these submarines underscore their importance to India’s naval strategy.

This development, as discussed during Singh’s visit, is firmly aligned with India’s objectives of maintaining a strong and modern navy capable of addressing both current and emerging maritime threats.

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