Germany was ready to sign an $8 billion deal with India for building six next-generation conventional submarines, German ambassador to India, Jasper Wieck, said at a press conference on Wednesday, reported TOI.
"In terms of documents, it has already been finalised and the German side has agreed to it. It is now up to the Indian side to complete and conclude its internal processes," Wieck said, adding Germany was ready to sign the agreement as early as tomorrow.
Weick further said Germany’s relationship with India has gained significance amid growing global uncertainty, with the two countries looking to deepen cooperation in trade, defence and labour mobility.
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According to the agreement, German defence contractor TKMS would partner with MDL and will supply advanced submarine design and technology transfer.
The ambassador described the global situation as an "era of unpredictability."
He said Russia had “wrecked trust and peace” while the US was “"constantly changing the rules of the game," emphasising the need for closer cooperation between India and Germany.
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Weick was recently appointed as Germany’s ambassador to India and Bhutan.
He pinpointed the pending formal signing of the India-European Union FTA, labour migration, and defence cooperation as his three priorities as ambassador.
The ambassador said that his country understands India’s energy requirements but implored that reducing purchases of Russian oil would impair Moscow's ability to conduct its war against Ukraine.
"If we don't buy any oil anymore from Russia then financing for the (Ukraine) war stops," he said.
Weick, on pending student visa issues, assured Germany was working to solve the issue.
(With inputs from TOI)
