India and Italy recently held discussions to enhance industrial cooperation in the defense sector. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto met in New Delhi to explore opportunities for collaboration. They focused on strengthening defense ties under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat program and Italy’s defense cooperation initiative.
During the meeting, the ministers exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) 2026-27, outlining military engagements between the armed forces of both countries. Singh and Crosetto also addressed various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia.
Crosetto described the meeting as “cordial and fruitful,” emphasizing the discussions on regional and global matters, such as the current situation in the Middle East. The officials also discussed the potential for further developing industrial cooperation in the defense sector, emphasizing shared interests and mutual benefits.
Italy’s Ministry of Defence quoted Crosetto, highlighting the exchange of the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan 2026-27. The visit included a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial to honor fallen soldiers. The defense cooperation between Italy and India has seen significant progress since Singh’s visit to Rome in October 2023.
