Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's visit to London and Rome in April 2025 focused on strengthening defence ties with the U.K. and Italy. The discussions aimed to enhance cooperation in technology, armament production, and maritime security.
In London, from April 16-17, Mr. Singh co-chaired the 24th India-U.K. Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting. He urged U.K. companies to partner with Indian defence start-ups and invest in India's defence corridors. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepening defence ties within the framework of the India-U.K. comprehensive strategic partnership and Roadmap 2030.
Talks with the U.K.'s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, centered on expanding military engagements and strengthening defence industry collaboration. Mr. Singh highlighted the potential of Indian start-ups in naval systems, drones, and space defence. He invited U.K. firms to invest in defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Prior to London, Mr. Singh was in Rome from April 14-15 for the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting. Discussions with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto focused on enhancing defence cooperation as a key pillar of the India-Italy strategic partnership. The JDC meeting covered defence, security, and industrial cooperation, including maritime cooperation and information sharing.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD). This MoU aims to foster closer cooperation between the nations' defence industries. The enhanced cooperation is expected to strengthen India's role in the global defence supply chain and bolster maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.