Germany eases small arms sales to India
- In Reports
- 08:20 PM, Apr 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
On 26th April 2024, Germany has given the green light to India's National Security Guard (NSG) to purchase spare parts and accessories for MP5 submachine guns, marking a significant shift after Germany had previously imposed limitations on selling small arms and their components to countries like India. "India has been granted a significant exemption, underscoring the value Germany places on its partnership with India," stated one official, speaking anonymously.
The NSG procured its MP5s from the German company Heckler & Koch prior to the implementation of the sales restrictions approximately 15 years ago. In this context, "third countries" encompass all nations except European Union member states, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries and NATO-equivalent countries such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
The lifting of restrictions for India will provide the Indian military, paramilitary forces, and state police forces with an additional avenue for procuring small arms, according to another official. The navy's marine commandos also utilize MP5s.
Previously, certain reports had connected the restrictions to German apprehensions regarding the potential utilisation of the weapons by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as concerns over human rights issues. However, officials clarified that the restrictions applied to all "third countries."
This development coincides with Germany's efforts to strengthen its relationship with India through various initiatives. These include bolstering cooperation to uphold a rules-based order in the oceans amidst China's strategic manoeuvering for influence, identifying opportunities for space collaboration, increasing military-to-military engagements, and extending offers of military platforms to India, such as submarines.
Furthermore, officials disclosed that German fighter planes and transport aircraft are scheduled to arrive in India in early August to take part in a large-scale exercise organised by the Indian Air Force.
Tarang Shakti is anticipated to unite 12 global air forces, with an emphasis on enhancing interoperability, adopting best practices from each other, and enhancing military cooperation among the participating nations. While Tarang Shakti marks the largest multilateral exercise to be held in India, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has participated in numerous similar drills on foreign territory.
In late October, the German frigate Baden-Württemberg and combat support ship Frankfurt Am Main are scheduled to visit the port of Goa, according to officials. These two vessels are currently on an Indo-Pacific deployment as part of Germany's commitment to upholding the rules-based order in the region and enhancing relations with similar-minded navies.
Additionally, ongoing military dialogues between Germany and India pertain to discussions regarding submarines and engines for India's new light tank.
In Mumbai last year, German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly compete for a ₹43,000-crore project aimed at constructing six advanced submarines in India under the government’s strategic partnership model. This initiative, known as P-75 India, stands as one of the largest Make in India programs, emphasising indigenous manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
TKMS has proposed providing India with the advanced HDW Class 214 submarines and Germany is eager to advance this proposal through a government-to-government arrangement. Additionally, Spin's Navantia is also vying for the project, indicating competition in the bidding process.
Image Source: Economic Times
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