India and Italy plan to sign a defence agreement next month with the intention of deepening cooperation, two people aware of the matter said. The agreement is expected to make it easier for officials to coordinate on security matters and smoothen the path for Italian defence firms looking to enter India. New Delhi and Rome are currently discussing a possible visit by defence minister Rajnath Singh to Italy in May for signing the agreement. Alternatively, a visit by Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto to New Delhi is also being cconsidered.

The agreement is expected to make it easier for officials to coordinate on security matters and smoothen the path for Italian defence firms looking to enter India

India and Italy plan to sign a defence agreement next month with the intention of deepening cooperation, two people aware of the matter said. The agreement is expected to make it easier for officials to coordinate on security matters and smoothen the path for Italian defence firms looking to enter India. New Delhi and Rome are currently discussing a possible visit by defence minister Rajnath Singh to Italy in May for signing the agreement. Alternatively, a visit by Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto to New Delhi is also being considered.

Queries sent to the Indian and Italian foreign ministries remained unanswered at press time. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen coordination on defence issues, which is in line with Italy’s desire to “reboot” its security ties with India. Italy also hopes to secure a larger foothold for its defence firms involved in the Indian market. “Not only are major Italian companies involved but also innovative small and medium Italian firms. The range of feasible technologies and products is wide, from torpedoes to UAVs, from flight control systems to electronic equipment for defence, from vessels and shipbuilding to aircraft