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PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz hold bilateral talks on trade and defence

The Hindu – International

2d ago

PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz hold bilateral talks on trade and defence

Summary

Subscribed with another email? Logout and Login with that one. India is in the process of procuring six stealth submarines. German defence major ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) have been holding price negotiations with the defence ministry for the €5 billion deal to supply six stealth submarines to the Indian Navy. Shortly after the Modi-Merz talks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. They also noted the conclusion of the negotiations between India and the European Union for a free trade agreement. "As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility," it said. "They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany," it added. Just two months ago, I welcomed President Lee in India," Mr. Narendra Modi / India / Germany / diplomacy / international relations / G7 summit Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences.

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We discussed possibilities for how we can further strengthen bilateral cooperation through joint efforts in the areas of trade, investments, circular economy, defence, IT, and other fields, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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I've great relationship with him, but need to keep him sane: Trump on Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump said he maintains a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but suggested that he often acts as a restraining force on the Israeli leader, remarking that he has to keep Netanyahu "a little bit sane." Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Axios journalist Marc Caputo, Trump made the comment while discussing the aftermath of the US-backed military campaign against Iran and the future of Israel's regional military actions. When Caputo asked about his relationship with Netanyahu, Trump replied: "Good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane." Q: How is your relationship with Netanyahu? Trump: It's good, but we have to keep him a little bit... sane. Source: Axios pic.twitter.com/wmvdIWfW5N — Clash Report (@clashreport) June 19, 2026 The remark offered a rare glimpse into Trump's view of his influence over one of Washington's closest allies at a time when tensions remain high across the Middle East following the conflict with Iran . Trump went further, asserting that he could prevent Israel from expanding military operations against neighbouring countries. Asked whether he would be able to stop Israel from attacking Lebanon , Trump responded: "Yeah, I will be." "He has a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say," Trump added, underscoring what he described as his leverage over the Israeli government. Throughout the interview, Trump repeatedly credited himself with ensuring Israel's security and survival. He argued that his decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term prevented Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ultimately protected Israel from a potentially existential threat. "If it weren't for Donald Trump , Israel would've been eviscerated," he said, adding that Israel "would not exist today" without his actions against Iran's nuclear programme. Referring to US military assets, including B-2 tourist visa bombers, Trump said: "We're the ones with the guns.

B-1/B-2 Visitor9h ago

Trump bombshells on Israel: 'They'll do as I say' on Lebanon issue; says he has to keep Netanyahu 'sane'

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) claimed that he would be able to stop Israel from carrying out any more strikes in Lebanon, asserting that the Israeli leadership acts on his directions due to what he calls strong mutual respect. Trump made these remarks during an interview on The Axios Show . When asked if he could influence Israeli military actions in the Middle East region, especially potential strikes on Beirut, the US President said that he would be able to exercise control over such decisions. He added, "Yeah, I will be. During the interview, he also referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said that he maintains a strong but closely watched relationship with him and added, "It's good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane." His remarks came after the US President expressed frustration with Netanyahu over jeopardising the US-Iran deal. During the interview, Trump reiterated that without him, Israel would have been "eviscerated." He added, "Remember this: if I don't terminate the JCPOA --road to--remember that was a road to a nuclear weapon legally. But if I didn't do that and if I didn't attack their nuclear supply 10 months ago with the B-2 tourist visa bombers, Israel would not exist today." On Friday (local time), reports suggest that a renewed ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hezbollah amid efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Stay updated with the latest Trending , India , World and US news.

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PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz hold bilateral talks on trade and defence

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