Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his visiting Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Thursday. Both ministers emphasized that the India-Italy strategic partnership is founded on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan Exchanged
A bilateral military cooperation plan for 2026-27 was exchanged during the meeting, outlining the roadmap for military engagements between the defence forces of both nations. The plan aims to enhance interoperability and joint exercises, fostering deeper ties between the armed forces.
Discussions on Defence Industrial Cooperation
In a post on X, 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."
Indian Coast Guard Hosts Italian Delegation
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard hosted an Italian delegation, including senior representatives from Fincantieri, at the Coast Guard headquarters in Delhi. Discussions focused on collaboration with Indian shipyards for future projects, highlighting advanced design features such as resilient hulls for higher sea states, enhanced bollard pull, integrated fire-fighting systems, and hybrid/electric propulsion.
Focus on Modular Ship Design and Maritime Issues
The dialogue also explored modular ship design to enable versatile, multi-role platforms with rapid operational adaptability. Convergence between both ancient sea-faring nations on various key maritime issues was also highlighted, including information exchange through the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region.
Italian Defence Minister Pays Tribute at War Memorial
Prior to the meeting, the Italian defence minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
