Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in New Delhi for wide-ranging discussions covering regional and global developments, with particular focus on the evolving situation in West Asia. The high-level dialogue underscored shared strategic interests and a commitment to deepening defence cooperation.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed opportunities to enhance defence industrial collaboration, aligning India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative with Italy’s defence cooperation framework. The discussions highlighted a mutual intent to strengthen self-reliance in defence production while fostering joint innovation and technological exchange.
Sharing details of the engagement, Rajnath Singh stated: “Happy to have welcomed my Italian counterpart Mr Guido Crosetto and held extensive talks with him in Delhi today. We discussed a wide range of regional and global issues including the current situation in West Asia. We also discussed the avenues to further develop mutually beneficial defence industrial cooperation under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and Italy’s defence cooperation initiative. A Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) 2026–27 was also exchanged regarding military engagements between the Armed forces of both countries.”
The exchange of the MCP 2026–27 formally establishes a structured mechanism for military-to-military cooperation, including training exchanges, joint activities, and institutional collaboration. This development signals a clear and strategic deepening of defence relations between New Delhi and Rome, setting the stage for long-term engagement across operational and industrial domains.
The dialogue and formal agreement reflect a growing convergence of strategic priorities, reinforcing India and Italy’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation in an increasingly complex global security environment.
About The Author
Comment List