India–Italy Strengthen Defence Cooperation During High-Level Talks

Why in News?

India and Italy strengthened their defence partnership during a visit by Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to New Delhi. Both sides agreed on a military cooperation plan for 2026–27.

Key Highlights:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Italian counterpart exchanged 2026–27 military cooperation plan

Focus on expanding:

Strategic cooperation

Maritime security

Defence-industrial collaboration

Agreement to boost joint exercises, training, and operational coordination

India’s Concerns:

India raised issue of transfer of sensitive defence technology to Pakistan

India emphasized protection of advanced military technologies

Defence Technology Cooperation:

Discussions on joint projects under:

Aatmanirbhar Bharat (India)

Italy’s defence cooperation framework

Focus areas:

Advanced defence systems

Industrial collaboration

Co-development of technologies

Maritime Security Cooperation:

Strengthening maritime domain awareness

Information sharing through IFC-IOR (Gurugram)

Focus on security in Indian Ocean Region

Coast Guard & Tech Collaboration:

Indian Coast Guard hosted Italian delegation

Focus areas:

AI-based defence systems

Counter-drone systems (C-UAS)

Green propulsion technology

Advanced marine equipment

Broader Context:

India expanding defence ties with Europe

Cooperation under:

India–EU Security and Defence Partnership

Bilateral ties with France, Germany, Italy

Focus areas include:

Fighter jets

Submarines

Precision weapons

Jet engine technology

Final Takeaway:

India and Italy are upgrading defence cooperation with focus on technology sharing, maritime security, and joint industrial projects, while India stresses protection of sensitive military technologies.