New Delhi: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described Pakistan as the “epicentre of international terrorism” and urged Italy not to share sensitive defence technologies with Islamabad.
The remarks came during high-level bilateral talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
India Raises Concerns Over Defence Technology Transfers
During the meeting, Singh conveyed India’s concerns regarding defence cooperation involving Pakistan, stressing the need for caution in sharing critical technologies. He noted that India had earlier raised similar concerns with the Netherlands over its defence ties with Pakistan.
Highlighting global uncertainties, Singh said the principles underpinning the international order are under strain.
“If I were to say that the new world order is a world with no order, it would be no exaggeration. In such a scenario, India needs to proceed with even greater vigilance,” he remarked.
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Strategic Timing Ahead of PM Modi’s Italy Visit
The visit by the Italian Defence Minister comes weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to undertake his first bilateral visit to Italy. So far, Modi has visited Italy primarily for multilateral engagements such as the G20 and G7 summits.
Focus on Strengthening India-Italy Strategic Partnership
The discussions focused on deepening the India-Italy strategic partnership, with both countries seen as historic seafaring powers sharing interests in maritime security and technological innovation.
According to an official statement, both sides reiterated that the partnership is anchored in shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
Defence Collaboration and Industrial Cooperation
Both ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in advanced defence technologies and explore joint industrial projects. These initiatives are aligned with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push and Italy’s defence cooperation framework.
A key outcome of the meeting was the exchange of a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026–27. The plan outlines expanded engagements, including joint exercises, training programmes, and operational coordination between the armed forces of both nations.
Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Focus
The two sides also highlighted growing convergence on maritime security issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Enhanced information sharing through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region is expected to strengthen maritime domain awareness in the strategically significant Indian Ocean.
Building on Recent Defence Agreements
The meeting builds on earlier milestones in bilateral defence ties. In 2023, Singh and Crosetto signed a comprehensive Defence Cooperation Agreement in Rome, covering policy coordination, research and development, military education, and industrial collaboration, including co-development and joint ventures.
Additionally, both countries adopted a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029 last year, which includes a dedicated defence component with annual consultations and a roadmap for defence industrial cooperation.
Expanding Opportunities in Defence Sector
As a NATO member, Italy has been expanding its defence exports and collaborations in the Indo-Pacific region. For Italy, engagement with India offers significant opportunities in a rapidly growing defence market.
For India, such partnerships support its push for indigenous manufacturing while facilitating technology transfers under carefully regulated conditions.
Navigating a Changing Global Order
Singh’s remarks underscore India’s cautious approach amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, as it seeks to balance strategic partnerships while safeguarding national security interests.
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