Germany is among the countries to have confirmed its participation
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct its first-ever multinational exercise, Tarang Shakti 2024, scheduled to take place in the skies over Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in August this year. This groundbreaking event will see participation from some of the world's most advanced air forces, including Germany, marking a significant milestone in India-Germany defence cooperation.

During his official visit to Germany, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari flew a sortie in a Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft at a German airbase, further solidifying the ties between the two air forces. The visit, made at the invitation of his German counterpart Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, Commander of the German Air Force, also included a tour of the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA Berlin.

In a post on X on June 7, 2024, the IAF stated, "CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is on an official visit to Germany on invitation by his German counterpart Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz, Commander of the German Air Force. During the tour, the CAS also visited the ILA 2024 and took to the German skies in a Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft.
IAF is looking forward to hosting @Team_Luftwaffe in its first multinational Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 in India, later this year.
May the bonds of friendship and trust between the two countries continue to flourish."

Tarang Shakti 2024 will feature air assets from 12 countries, with six nations actively participating with their frontline fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and mid-air refuellers. The remaining six will join as observers. Notably, the exercise is likely to include forces from the Quad nations—Australia, Japan, and the United States—along with France and the United Kingdom in addition to Germany.

The exercise aims to foster professional interactions, enrich the employment philosophy of the participating forces, and facilitate the exchange of valuable insights. It represents a unique opportunity for these nations to collaborate and enhance their tactical and operational capabilities.

The roots of India-Germany defence cooperation date back to 2006, with the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement. In 2007, an Agreement on Mutual Protection of Classified Information was established, providing a framework for bilateral defence ties. These agreements were further strengthened in February 2019 with the Arrangement on Implementation of the 2006 Agreement, signed in Berlin.

In February 2024, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane co-chaired the India-Germany High Defence Committee (HDC) meeting in Berlin with Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary of the German Ministry of Defence. This meeting focused on enhancing the defence cooperation as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two nations. Discussions included potential joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific and deliberations on defence industrial projects.

The upcoming Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 is a testament to the growing defence cooperation between India and Germany. As both nations continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, this exercise will serve as a cornerstone for future collaborations, fostering a deeper understanding and mutual trust between their armed forces.