Defence Minister of Germany Visits Headquarters Western Naval Command

A German delegation led by Minister of Defence of Federal Republic of Germany, Boris Pistorius visited Headquarters, Western Naval Command, Mumbai on 7 June 2023. The minister was accompanied by State Secretary, MoD Germany, Benedikt Zimmer, Director-General for Security and Defence Policy, MoD Germany, Dr Jasper Wieck, German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, and other delegation members.

The minister interacted with Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The visiting delegation was given a presentation on roles, responsibilities, and activities of Western Naval Command.

During the visit at Mumbai, the minister was given a tour of the latest indigenous warship, INS Mormugao wherein the minister interacted with Indian Navy personnel, including women officers from Indian Navy sailing team. Boris Pistorius was also given a tour of the Mumbai Harbour.

After interaction at HQWNC, the delegation visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., wherein they were apprised of the indigenous ship building capability of MDL. Boris Pistorius also interacted with Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar at a reception on 7 June 2023 at Western Naval Command Officers’ Mess.

Consequent to India and Germany signing an agreement on Bilateral Defence Cooperation in 2006, there has been significant enhancement in military interactions. Cooperation in the maritime domain is the most enduring and key facet of engagement between India and Germany, which inter alia encompasses training and reciprocal bilateral visits by naval ships and delegations.

Navies of both the countries share converging views on maritime areas of concern, anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The current visit by Boris Pistorius would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.