India and Italy have signed an agreement encompassing a wide range of collaborative efforts, including defence, security, maritime domain awareness, research and development (R&D), information sharing, and industrial collaboration. The pact also includes provisions for co-development, co-production, and the establishment of joint ventures for military systems.
The agreement was inked following delegation-level talks between India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, and his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, held in Rome. The discussions covered various aspects of defence cooperation, including military training, maritime exercises, and maritime security.
The signing of this pact marks a significant initiative to expand defence cooperation between the two nations. This development comes nearly two years after the Indian Defence Ministry lifted the ban on AgustaWestland and its parent company, Leonardo SpA.
Both sides emphasized the need for sharing complementary capacities in the defence sector and exploring joint development opportunities. Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the Indian government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business, ease foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in the defence sector, establish two defence industrial corridors, and promote indigenous defence manufacturing. He stated, “India offers exciting opportunities for co-development and co-production, and the complementary capacities of Indian and Italian defence industries could be optimized in a win-win situation.”
During the meeting, discussions extended to various defence cooperation issues, encompassing training, information exchange, naval exercises, and maritime security. The primary thrust, however, was on the prospects in defence industrial cooperation.
The Ministry’s statement emphasized, “The two ministers discussed the complementary capacities of India and Italy in defence and the possibilities of joint development.” This agreement signifies a deepening of ties between the two nations and opens doors for future collaborations in the field of defence and security.
The bilateral pact reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnerships and expanding its defence capabilities in line with its ‘Make in India’ initiative. Italy’s participation in this endeavor stands as a testament to the growing cooperation between the two countries in the realm of defence and security.
With time, it is expected to foster a more secure environment in the Indo-Pacific region, providing new avenues for mutual benefit and cooperation between India and Italy.
