Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Rome, Italy, from 14–15 April 2025, to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation, a key pillar of the India–Italy strategic partnership. The visit began with a meeting with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, followed by the 11th Joint Defence Committee meeting, co-chaired with Luisa Riccardi, Secretary General of Defence. Discussions covered maritime security, information sharing, and collaboration within the Trans Regional Maritime Network, along with the situation in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.

India emphasised closer defence ties in technology and armament production, aligned with its ongoing policy push to build a robust domestic defence innovation ecosystem. During the India–Italy Defence Industry Roundtable, Shri Singh highlighted reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business, increasing transparency, and supporting private sector growth in India's defence sector.

A key outcome was the signing of an MoU between SIDM and AIAD, aimed at fostering cooperation between defence industries of both nations. The Defence Secretary was accompanied by a senior delegation from India’s Ministry of Defence and SIDM, supporting both government and B2B collaborations.

Source: PIB Delhi