India on Monday said its defence procurement decisions are driven by national interest and operational requirements, and not by ideology or political alignment. The clarification came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that stronger defence cooperation with Germany could help India reduce its dependence on Russia for military equipment.
Addressing the issue, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India evaluates defence purchases based on practical considerations such as availability, capability, and what best suits the country’s security needs at a given time. He underlined that India’s approach to defence sourcing is pragmatic and situation-specific, rather than ideologically driven.
Misri noted that discussions with Germany on defence cooperation are progressing, including talks related to advanced technology and manufacturing partnerships. He also acknowledged that Germany has shown greater flexibility and speed in recent defence-related clearances.
At the same time, India reiterated that its long-standing defence relationship with Russia continues, based on historical cooperation and existing requirements. The government stressed that India remains open to working with multiple partners and will continue to diversify its defence acquisitions in line with its strategic and security priorities.