Strengthening Defence Ties: India and Italy Forge New Partnerships
In a significant move to enhance defence collaboration, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar visited Rome on February 26 and 27, 2026. During his visit, he engaged with key Italian defence officials, including Under Secretary of State for Defence Mr. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, National Armaments Director Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, and Chief of Defence Forces General Luciano Portolano. The discussions primarily focused on fortifying industry partnerships aimed at developing resilient defence supply chains between the two nations.
Key Discussions on Defence Cooperation
In his meeting with Mr. Perego di Cremnago, both sides underscored their dedication to transforming defence cooperation into a cornerstone of their strategic partnership. They deliberated on how to boost industrial collaboration by creating synergies within their respective defence industrial ecosystems.
Insightful Industry Seminar
Shri Sanjeev Kumar, alongside Admiral Ottaviani, delivered keynote speeches at the India-Italy Defence Industry Seminar, outlining a proactive agenda for partnership. Kumar emphasized India’s defence procurement policies, foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, and the establishment of defence industrial corridors. These elements are vital for fostering innovation and growth in defence manufacturing.
New Avenues for Participation
Both nations recognized that the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, which was signed earlier in January 2026, opens up fresh opportunities for Indian defence companies to engage in the EU’s defence supply chains. This cooperation is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the Indian defence industry on a global scale.
Exploration of Joint Ventures
The seminar also featured focused business-to-business meetings aimed at exploring joint ventures, technology partnerships, and co-manufacturing initiatives. This reinforced the collaboration between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Defence Industry Association (AIAD), building on the memorandum of understanding signed in April 2025 in Rome.
Networking and Industry Engagement
A networking reception hosted by the Indian Embassy further facilitated dialogue among government officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. Accompanying Shri Kumar was an industry delegation from SIDM, comprising representatives from India’s Defence Public Sector Undertakings, private enterprises, SMEs, and startups. The delegation also visited leading Italian defence firms to discuss opportunities for joint ventures, co-development, and co-production.
Commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
This visit represents a pivotal step in deepening the defence collaboration between India and Italy, showcasing India’s commitment to building trusted partnerships in defence manufacturing. This aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance in critical sectors.
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