India and Italy Strengthen Defence Ties in Rome
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s recent visit to Rome on April 14-15, 2025, marked a significant step in enhancing defence cooperation between India and Italy. During his trip, Singh met with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to discuss key areas of collaboration. The discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership through various defence initiatives, including technology and armament production.
High-Level Meetings and Joint Defence Committee
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 11th India-Italy annual bilateral Joint Defence Committee meeting alongside his Italian counterpart, Secretary General of Defence Luisa Riccardi. The meeting addressed a broad spectrum of topics related to defence, security, and industrial cooperation. Notably, the two sides emphasized maritime cooperation and the establishment of information-sharing arrangements, particularly concerning the Trans Regional Maritime Network. The discussions also touched upon the current situation in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the importance of regional security.
Focus on Technology and Armament Production
During his visit, Defence Secretary Singh underscored the need for closer collaboration in technology and armament production, which he identified as a priority for India. He elaborated on the Indian government’s proactive approach to building a robust ecosystem for defence production and innovation. Singh noted that recent policy initiatives have fostered a vibrant industrial landscape, encouraging growth and innovation within the Indian defence sector.
Industry Engagement and Memorandum of Understanding
In a keynote address at the India-Italy Defence Industry Roundtable, Singh highlighted the transformative changes in the Indian defence industry over the past few years. He attributed these changes to progressive reforms that have created a more transparent and predictable environment for business operations. A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Federation of Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD). This agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the defence industries of both nations.
Delegation and Future Prospects
Accompanying Defence Secretary Singh was a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Defence, which included senior officials from various departments. Additionally, a substantial industry delegation from SIDM joined the visit to facilitate business-to-business connections between Indian and Italian defence companies. This collaborative effort is expected to pave the way for future partnerships and advancements in defence technology and production.
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