Rajnath Singh, Italian Defence Minister Discuss Defence Industrial Cooperation And Military Plan

India and Italy on Thursday explored ways to deepen defence industrial cooperation during a high-level meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and Italy’s defence collaboration framework, with both sides emphasising mutually beneficial partnerships in the defence sector.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed a wide range of regional and global security issues, including the ongoing situation in West Asia. They also discussed expanding cooperation in defence manufacturing, technology sharing, and joint industrial projects. According to officials, the engagement reflected growing strategic alignment between the two countries, particularly in the context of evolving global security challenges.

A key outcome of the meeting was the exchange of the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) for 2026–27, which outlines structured engagements between the armed forces of India and Italy. The plan is expected to guide joint exercises, training programmes, and other military-to-military interactions over the next two years, further institutionalising defence ties between the two nations.

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In a post on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh described the meeting as extensive and constructive, highlighting discussions on regional stability and defence industrial collaboration. He reiterated India’s focus on strengthening indigenous defence production while welcoming international partnerships that support technology transfer and co-development. Crosetto also termed the meeting cordial and productive, noting that both sides explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in defence manufacturing and strategic dialogue.

Earlier in the day, the visiting Italian Defence Minister paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, laying a wreath in honour of fallen soldiers. The gesture was seen as a reaffirmation of respect and shared commitment to peace and security. Officials noted that defence cooperation between the two countries has gained momentum since Rajnath Singh’s visit to Rome in 2023, when a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation was signed.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral defence relations have expanded significantly over the years, moving beyond equipment imports to include training exchanges, naval cooperation, maritime security, and joint exercises. Both sides expressed confidence that the growing partnership would further strengthen strategic convergence and open new avenues for collaboration in the defence sector.

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