A German delegation led by Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany visited Headquarters, Western Naval Command, Mumbai. The Minister was accompanied by Benedikt Zimmer (State Secretary, MoD Germany), Dr Jasper Wieck (Director-General for Security and Defence Policy, MoD Germany), Dr Philipp Ackermann (German Ambassador to India) and other delegation members.
The Minister interacted with Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The visiting delegation was given a presentation on the roles, responsibilities and activities of Western Naval Command.
During the visit, 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 the 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. HE. The minister also interacted with Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, at a reception.
Consequent to India and Germany signing an agreement on Bilateral Defence Cooperation in 2006, there has been a 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 countries share converging views on maritime areas of concern, anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The current visit by the German Defence Minister would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
