New Delhi, April 30 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks on Thursday with Italy’s Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, in New Delhi to strengthen defence ties and discuss regional and global security concerns.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ministers will cover a wide range of defence cooperation issues and exchange views on evolving security challenges. The meeting comes after defence engagement between the two countries accelerated following Rajnath Singh’s visit to Rome in October 2023. Crosetto’s first visit to India underscores both capitals’ intent to deepen collaboration and explore new defence industrial partnerships.
The ministry noted that the signing of the India–EU Defence & Strategic Partnership in January 2026 has reinforced strategic convergence and provided further momentum for defence-industrial cooperation on shared priorities. India–Italy defence relations have expanded to include high-level dialogue, service-to-service contacts, training, defence equipment exports, information sharing, port calls, naval exercises and maritime security cooperation. An Agreement on Defence Cooperation was signed after Rajnath Singh’s 2023 visit to Italy.
Earlier this year, India and the European Union formalised a landmark Security and Defence Partnership, creating an overarching defence and security framework between them. Leaders at the 16th India–EU Summit welcomed the partnership, highlighting its potential to strengthen collaboration on maritime security, the defence industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space, and counterterrorism.
Under the partnership, India and the EU agreed to upgrade existing Security and Defence Consultations into an annual EU–India Security and Defence Dialogue to institutionalise regular high-level engagement. The framework also foresees consultations on respective defence initiatives and exploring opportunities for India’s participation in relevant EU defence programmes, subject to applicable legal frameworks.
To boost defence-industrial collaboration, the joint statement announced the creation of an industry-led India–EU Defence Industry Forum that will bring businesses together, with official observers and participation from EU member states. The forum aims to identify cooperation opportunities in defence manufacturing, innovation and technology.
Both sides have signalled a shared commitment to deepen engagement on regional security issues, with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. The meeting in New Delhi is expected to build on these initiatives and further expand practical cooperation between India and Italy in defence and security.
