Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Italian Secretary General of Defence & National Armament Director Lt Gen Luciano Portolano co-chaired the 10th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting today in New Delhi.
The meeting served as a platform for both nations to deliberate on various aspects of defence industrial and military cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties in the field of defence. During the meeting, discussions spanned a wide range of issues, with particular attention paid to defence-industrial cooperation. Both sides underscored the significance of the agreement on defence cooperation signed in October 2023 during the visit of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Italy. This agreement, which serves as the cornerstone of the bilateral defence relationship, laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between Indian and Italian defence industries.
“The focus of the meeting was to enhance defence industrial cooperation,” stated Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. “We are committed to leveraging the strengths of both nations to foster innovation and advance joint projects, including co-production initiatives in India.” The meeting also provided an opportunity for both countries to explore avenues for joint projects and collaborations, with a specific emphasis on co-production ventures within India. Lt Gen Luciano Portolano reiterated Italy’s commitment to strengthening ties with India in the defence sector, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration.
“The integration of Indian vendors in the global supply chains of Italian defence companies will not only enhance our partnership but also contribute to the resilience of our supply chains,” commented Lt Gen Luciano Portolano. In addition to discussing defence-industrial cooperation, the meeting also addressed broader strategic issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific region and the evolving security landscape. Both sides exchanged views on regional security challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
The 10th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism about the prospects for further enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries. The commitment to deepening bilateral ties reflects the shared vision of India and Italy to strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration in the realm of defence. The successful conclusion of the meeting marks another milestone in the longstanding partnership between India and Italy, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and synergy in the defence sector.
