India-Italy Cooperation on Defence Relations

Summary of India-Italy Bilateral Defence Cooperation

Key Meetings and Figures

• Upcoming Bilateral Talks: Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto visiting India for talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
• Previous Meeting: PM Narendra Modi and PM Giorgia Meloni agreed in November 2024 to negotiate a Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Defence Cooperation Agreement

• Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-29): Establishes a structured industrial and technological cooperation between India and Italy. Focuses on:
  • Co-development
  • Co-production
  • Technology transfer and know-how sharing

Maritime Security Collaboration

• Naval Cooperation: Both countries to establish a Maritime Security Dialogue aimed at:
  • Strengthening interoperability and coordination between their navies
  • Ensuring security of maritime routes
• Strategic Importance of Strait of Hormuz: Recognized as a vital passage for global trade and energy supplies. Importance of maintaining freedom of navigation highlighted.

Emerging Technology and Defence Systems

• Focus on New Age Warfare: Cooperation in areas such as:
  • Drones
  • Missiles
  • Electronic warfare
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Adoption of a "Cheap-to-Cheap" Approach: Developing effective and sustainable defence systems that are economically viable to counter emerging threats.

Collective Strategic Vision

• Recognized Role of India: Seen as a strategic partner for global stability and a significant player in regional security.
• Multilateral Approach: Emphasis on collaborative engagement to ensure freedom of navigation and contribute to global economic stability amidst regional tensions.

Conclusion

The talks between Italy and India reflect a deepening of bilateral ties with an emphasis on advanced defence cooperation, focusing on strategic maritime security and the integration of emerging technologies in military applications.