India reacts to German call to reduce ‘dependence’ on Russian weapons

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for closer security cooperation between Berlin and New Delhi

India has stressed that its defense purchases are solely determined by its national interest, after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for New Delhi to reduce its “dependence” on Russian weapons. The German leader, who is in India on a two-day visit, reportedly said Berlin wants to cooperate more closely on security issues to reduce New Delhi’s supposed reliance on Moscow.

“It is of particular strategic importance that we deepen cooperation between our defense industries. This strengthens both sides and also helps to make India less dependent on Russia, for example,” Merz was quoted as saying by AFP.

Defence cooperation is high on the agenda during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India.

A military cooperation between New Delhi and Berlin could potentially decrease India's long-standing dependence on Russia for bolstering its military capabilities. pic.twitter.com/YJfIOkxe6e

— DW News (@dwnews) January 11, 2026

Responding to questions on the German chancellor’s remarks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that India’s defense sourcing is not driven by ideologies.

“Our approach on defense sourcing is driven entirely by national interest. There are a lot of factors involved in that, and it is certainly not ideological, it is entirely driven by our interest,” he stated. “So I would not say that sourcing from one is linked to sourcing from another.”

Berlin and New Delhi have been in talks on a potential deal for Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build six submarines for the Indian Navy.

Misri said there are technical, financial, and commercial discussions involved in the deal, adding, “All I can say is that discussions have maintained a positive momentum.”

India counts France, Israel, and the US as its key military suppliers besides Russia, on which it has relied for decades for key military hardware.

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Around 60% of the Indian military’s hardware is of Russian origin, and the two countries have expressed their willingness to further deepen ties.

In August 2025, New Delhi approved defense purchases worth about $7.6 billion, which included more BrahMos missiles developed as part of an Indo-Russian joint venture. India also approved defense acquisitions worth $8.5 billion in December.

Rosoboronexport, the Russian state agency for defense exports, has signed contracts with India worth $50 billion over the past 20 years, including engines for T-72 tanks, the mainstay of the Indian Army’s armored fleet.