Rajnath Singh Discusses Defense Cooperation with Italy's Guido Crosetto

Strengthening Defense Ties with Italy

On Thursday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, to engage in detailed discussions regarding defense collaboration and the current situation in the Middle East. Expressing his satisfaction about the meeting, Singh shared on social media, "I was pleased to welcome Mr. Guido Crosetto and have an in-depth discussion with him today in Delhi. We addressed various regional and global issues, including the current state of the Middle East. We also explored ways to enhance mutually beneficial defense industrial cooperation under India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and Italy's defense collaboration efforts." Additionally, a bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) for 2026-27 was exchanged, focusing on military engagement between the armed forces of both nations.

Significance of Crosetto's Visit

Prior to their discussions, Italian Defense Minister Crosetto paid tribute at the National War Memorial and inspected the 'Guard of Honor.' This visit marks Crosetto's first trip to India, emphasizing the desire to expand existing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in industrial partnerships. The signing of a defense and strategic partnership between India and the EU in January 2026 signals a growing strategic alignment and has accelerated defense-industrial cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The defense relationship between India and Italy now encompasses dialogue, military exchanges, training, defense equipment exports, information sharing, port visits, naval exercises, and maritime security.

Historic Security and Defense Partnership

Earlier this year, India and the European Union formalized a historic 'Security and Defense Partnership.' This agreement represents the first comprehensive defense and security framework between the two parties, as leaders from both sides agreed to significantly deepen cooperation in strategic, regional, and global security domains.

Joint Statement from the India-EU Summit

Following the 16th India-EU Summit, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a joint statement was released welcoming the signing of the 'Security and Defense Partnership' (SDP). The leaders noted that this agreement would further strengthen collaboration in maritime security, defense industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space, counter-terrorism measures, and other areas.