Decoding the news. Italy and India took another significant step toward strengthening defence cooperation on Monday.
- The Italian Federation of Aerospace, Defence, and Security Companies (AIAD) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) signed a memorandum of understanding to foster industrial collaboration and boost bilateral trade in the defence sector.
Why it matters. The agreement is part of a broader push to deepen strategic ties between Rome and New Delhi
- It aligns with one of the ten key priorities in the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, signed during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro last November.
- The pact underlines a shared interest in bolstering interoperability and security cooperation in the Indo-Mediterranean.
Key details. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 11th Italy–India Bilateral Committee at Palazzo Guidoni in Rome, organized by Italy’s National Armaments Directorate (DNA).
- India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Indian Ambassador to Italy, Honourable Vani Rao, and Italy’s Deputy National Armaments Director Luisa Riccardi attended the event.
- A central feature of the agreement is creating a joint working group that will meet annually to identify strategic areas of collaboration and facilitate cross-border industrial engagement.
- The two sides also pledged to work closely at the governmental level to support a favourable ecosystem for bilateral defence trade.
What they’re saying. “This memorandum of understanding with SIDM representatives marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defence and security sector,” said Carlo Festucci, Secretary General of AIAD.
- “This agreement confirms AIAD’s commitment to fostering ongoing dialogue with international partners and creating new development opportunities for the national industry,” he added.
- “India is a solid and reliable partner for us, and we are confident this synergy will mark the beginning of a longer collaboration between players in the sector.”
What we’re watching. The MoU signals AIAD’s commitment to expanding Italy’s footprint in international defence partnerships.
- Alongside the signing, AIAD coordinated a series of B2B meetings during the committee session, involving 12 Italian and 12 Indian companies.
- These sessions focused on concrete collaboration opportunities across key strategic sectors, laying the groundwork for future joint ventures and industrial alliances.
(Photo: Difesa.it)
