Chancellor and Foreign Minister on board "Frankfurt am Main"

High-ranking visitor on board the IPD 24 Marine Association

The government visit by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and State Secretary Nils Hilmer on behalf of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on 26 October 2024 on board the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main" in Mormugao, Goa, India, marked a highlight for the German naval association. It was immediately preceded by the Indo-German government consultations in Delhi. At the same time, the visit marks the conclusion of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD 24) and a special appreciation of the work of the servicewomen and men of the Naval Association. Chancellor Scholz thanked the crews for their tireless efforts and sacrifices on this long voyage. They have made a lasting contribution to Germany's visibility in the Indo-Pacific and to the recognition of this region, which is fundamental to global trade. The visit to the Indo-Pacific emphasises Germany's willingness to contribute to regional security and stability and to the freedom of the seas, as well as to further develop relations with important partners such as India. The Chancellor's visit focussed on a personal exchange with the crews in a question and answer session, but also during a joint reception.

Fallreepsgasten in front of the Stelling for the high visitor. Photo: Bundeswehr/Rodewald

On behalf of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India, the Honourable Rakshar Rajya Mantri, Mr Sanjay Seth, expressed his appreciation of the German naval visit and underlined the desire for continued military and defence cooperation with Germany.

Defence Commissioner and Chairman of the Defence Committee in conversation with the crews

The supervisory bodies of the German Bundestag also travelled to Goa. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Dr Eva Högl, the Chairman of the Defence Committee, Dr Marcus Faber, Member of the Bundestag, and Mr Müller-Rosentritt, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, were briefed on the situation on board and took the opportunity for personal discussions with soldiers.

During the visit to Goa, special attention was paid to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces of the German Bundestag, who acts as an "advocate for servicemen and women". Her presence here is a clear sign of appreciation and recognition for the work of the naval personnel in a demanding task. In direct dialogue, the military commissioner had the opportunity to find out about the conditions and listen to the concerns and wishes of the crew members. The exchange with the crews in Goa helped to gain a more comprehensive picture of the specific challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

"Government talks" with the crew. Photo: Bundeswehr/Rodewald

The commander of the Indo-Pacific Deployment, Flotilla Admiral Helge Risch, summarises the situation.

"The two ships, the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" and the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main", and their crews have proven themselves on long voyages around the world. The material condition of the ships is impressive, and the motivation and commitment of my men and women remains high. This point particularly impresses me and also makes me proud. The frigate "Baden-Württemberg", the class 125 type ship, has proven its intensive utilisation under very demanding climatic conditions during its deployment to UNIFIL and during the subsequent IPD 24.

The German Navy has established a presence in the Indo-Pacific with two ships, thereby demonstrating a clear commitment to the importance of this region for international freedom of navigation. We have succeeded in cooperating with many partners in the region. Together with our international partners, we stand up for the international rules-based order and contribute to the freedom of the seas. Through intensive exchange and challenging naval manoeuvres, we have succeeded in increasing interoperability between our navies. At the same time, I am delighted that we were able to train 230 young officer cadets of Crew 2023 in a wide range of tasks on board in order to prepare them for their future work in the navy. The impressions at sea and in foreign ports broadened their horizons, true to the motto of the German Navy: "Regionally rooted, globally committed"."

With the arrival of GOA, both ships have been underway for 172 days since their departure on 7 May. They have covered over 30,000 nautical miles, i.e. around 56,000 kilometres, in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. While there have already been two routine crew changes on the frigate "Baden-Württemberg", the EGV "Frankfurt am Main" is still carrying the outgoing crew. The 174-metre-long and approximately 20,000-tonne supply ship has refuelled ships from eleven partner nations in 43 supply manoeuvres at sea during its voyage, making it a valuable and valued partner on the seas.

Background:

The Indo-Pacific is a region of increasing geopolitical and economic importance that plays a key role for Germany in terms of economic interests and security policy. Around 90 per cent of the global transport of goods by sea takes place via this region, making the stability and openness of these sea routes essential for an export-oriented economy like Germany. With the "Indo-Pacific Guideline" published in 2020, the German government has put its growing involvement in the region on a formal footing. The strategy emphasises multilateral cooperation, a rules-based international environment and cooperation in the areas of trade, security and climate protection.

Text: Alexander Gottschalk

Photos: Bundeswehr/Leon Rodewald