Germany's Scholz thanks sailors in India, backs arms exports

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday paid tribute to German sailors currently circumnavigating the globe as he concluded his visit to India.

The Frankfurt am Main naval supply ship and the Baden-Württemberg frigate - both part of the German Navy - arrived in the western Indian state of Goa on Saturday after days of joint exercises with the Indian Navy.

In Goa, Scholz said the ships are contributing to ensuring the freedom of global maritime traffic.

"It's important that our navy is involved in this to show that it is something that we strive for together," Scholz said.

The two ships departed Germany's North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven on May 7, crossed the Atlantic and passed the Panama Canal to the Pacific.

They then passed through the Taiwan Strait, before entering Mormugao Port in Goa on Saturday.

Germany and India concluded a strategic partnership more than 20 years ago and are now aiming to intensify their cooperation, including in arms exports.

"This will play a larger role in the future, and it is right that it should," Scholz said.

Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is hoping to participate in the construction of six submarines for the Indian Navy. While a declaration of intent was agreed last year, the Indian government is yet to take a decision.

European aerospace giant Airbus is also seeking to sell its A400M transports to India. Negotiations on a possible contract are still in the early stages.