SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is visiting Rome to advance strategic cooperation with Italy. The visit, which underscores the growing India-Italy Strategic Partnership, focuses on enhancing defence collaboration, maritime security, and industrial ties, with both nations exploring opportunities for joint weapons system development. This development aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative and Italy’s ambition to strengthen its role as a key player in the Indo-Mediterranean geopolitical corridor.
On April 14, 2025, Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome, engaging in productive discussions to bolster defence cooperation. The talks emphasized the importance of the Indo-Mediterranean region as a vital link between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, where stability is critical for global security. According to sources, both sides expressed a keen interest in co-developing advanced weapons systems, leveraging their complementary industrial and technological capabilities.
This visit builds on the momentum of earlier engagements, notably the 2023 agreement on defence cooperation signed during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s trip to Rome. That agreement outlined collaboration in areas like research and development, co-production, and joint ventures, setting the stage for the current push toward weapons system development.
The prospect of jointly developing weapons systems marks a new chapter in India-Italy defence relations. India, with its burgeoning defence industry and focus on indigenization, seeks reliable partners to co-design and co-produce cutting-edge platforms. Italy, home to global defence giants like Leonardo, Fincantieri, and Beretta, brings advanced technological expertise and a robust industrial base to the table.
Potential areas of collaboration include naval systems, missile technology, electronic warfare systems, and unmanned platforms. For instance, Italy’s experience in shipbuilding and maritime surveillance could complement India’s ambitions to modernize its naval fleet, including next-generation frigates and submarines. Similarly, joint ventures in precision-guided munitions or AI-driven defence systems could enhance both nations’ capabilities while reducing reliance on third-party suppliers.
Singh’s discussions also covered contractual frameworks to facilitate technology transfers and operational partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Gulf regions. These frameworks aim to ensure seamless integration of jointly developed systems into both nations’ armed forces, enhancing interoperability.
The India-Italy partnership is driven by shared interests in stabilizing the Indo-Mediterranean, a critical geopolitical corridor linking Europe to the Indo-Pacific. For India, this region is a new frontier for expanding its influence, while Italy sees it as a testbed for long-term security and industrial partnerships. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), recently branded the “Cotton Route” by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, underscores the economic and strategic convergence between the two nations.
Defence cooperation is a key pillar of this vision. Both countries aim to counter non-traditional threats like piracy, cyber-attacks, and regional instability through joint training, information sharing, and maritime exercises. The proposed weapons systems could play a pivotal role in securing maritime routes and projecting power in this contested region.
Singh’s visit included engagements with Italian defence industry leaders, echoing Rajnath Singh’s 2023 interactions with CEOs from Leonardo, Fincantieri, and others. These discussions highlighted opportunities for co-production under India’s “Make in India” initiative, which encourages foreign manufacturers to establish manufacturing facilities in India. Italy’s defence firms are well-positioned to contribute, given their expertise in areas like radar systems, helicopters, and small arms.
For India, joint development offers a chance to absorb critical technologies, reduce import dependency, and boost its defence exports. For Italy, it provides access to India’s vast defence market and a platform to co-develop systems for global markets. As Singh emphasized in a prior address, India is committed to creating a level playing field for private and public sectors, streamlining procurement, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation.
While the prospects are promising, challenges remain. Aligning technological standards, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles will require sustained commitment. India’s past experiences with delayed projects, like the LCA-Navy, highlight the need for clear timelines and robust project management. Similarly, Italy must balance its European Union commitments with its Indo-Pacific ambitions.
However, the strategic alignment between New Delhi and Rome offers a strong foundation. The elevation of India-Italy relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, coupled with shared views on a free and open Indo-Pacific, provides political impetus. Regular exchanges, such as the India-Italy Military Cooperation Group meetings, ensure continuity in operational and strategic dialogues.
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