Germany and India are advancing discussions on a potential $8-billion partnership to build six German-designed conventional submarines for the Indian Navy, addressing India’s aging fleet of 16 diesel-electric vessels. The proposed Type 214 AIP submarines would extend submerged endurance to roughly six days and be constructed locally at Mazgaon Dock under a collaboration with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. While a formal contract is not expected during German Chancellor Merz’s visit, the talks aim to strengthen industrial cooperation following Germany’s recent export control easing. The initiative highlights India’s dual-track naval modernization, complementing its nuclear Arihant-class program and supporting broader Indo-German defense collaboration.
