India and Germany strengthen strategic and maritime ties

India and Germany are expanding their bilateral ties through enhanced strategic and maritime cooperation. During a reception at SMM Hamburg 2026, the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) and the German Maritime Centre (DMZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate closer engagement in the maritime sector.

Furthering this maritime expansion, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) announced the establishment of a Hamburg office to strengthen institutional links between Mumbai and Hamburg and increase engagement with the European maritime industry.

On a diplomatic level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation to reaffirm the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, the leaders discussed cooperation in trade, investment, defense, clean energy, advanced technologies, and talent mobility.