October 9, 2023
2 mins read

Rajnath to visit Italy, France to strengthen defence ties

Officials said the potential for joint development of military platforms will be part of Mr Singh’s discussions both in Rome and Paris…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will pay a four-day visit to Italy and France beginning Monday to expand bilateral strategic engagement and explore industrial cooperation for joint development of military hardware.

In the first leg of his two-nation tour, Singh will travel to Rome where he will hold wide-ranging talks with his Italian counterpart Guido Crisetto, according to the defence ministry. The relationship between India and Italy was elevated to the level of strategic partnership in March during the Italian prime minister’s visit to India.

“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Italy and France from October 9 to 12, ” the ministry said.

In Paris, Singh will attend the fifth annual India-France defence dialogue with his French counterpart Sebastian Lecornu.

“India and France recently celebrated 25 years of strategic partnership. Both countries enjoy a deep and wide-ranging bilateral defence relationship, including significant industrial cooperation,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

“In both Rome and Paris, the defence minister will also interact with the defence industry CEOs and senior representatives to discuss potential opportunities for industrial cooperation,” it said.

Officials said the potential for joint development of military platforms will be part of Mr Singh’s discussions both in Rome and Paris.

Meanwhile, Eric Trappier, the chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, is set to visit New Delhi this week to discuss various aspects of India’s proposed purchase of 26 naval variants of the Rafale aircraft, people familiar with the matter said.

They said Trappier arrives in Delhi on Monday on a two-day trip to hold preliminary negotiations on the procurement. However, there is no official announcement on the visit by Dassault Aviation.

The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. In July, India and France announced a raft of ground-breaking defence cooperation projects including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines and construction of three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.

The two strategic partners also expressed commitment to cooperate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries.

ALSO READ-Rajnath to meet Nigerian Prez ahead of G20

Previous Story

Trudeau discusses India-Canada row with UAE President

Next Story

Over 123,000 Displaced in Gaza Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Latest from -Top News

Lahore Tops World Pollution Chart

Along with Lahore, Pakistan’s Karachi also featured in the top 10 most polluted cities globally. …reports Asian Lite News Lahore, Pakistan, continues to hold the title of the world’s most polluted city.

Sudan army pulls out as RSF seizes El-Fasher

al-Burhan made the announcement late on Monday, a day after the RSF claimed to have captured the main Sudanese army base in el-Fasher….reports Asian Lite News Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah

India vigilant as Nepal faces political uncertainty

Indian agencies suspect that external elements are making attempts to create a political vacuum in the country. …reports Asian Lite News India is closely monitoring political developments in Nepal, emphasising that stability
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Paris hosts India-France strategic space dialogue

France’s support was vital in India’s accession to MTCR, WA

Europe Divided on Sending Troops to Ukraine

Meloni insists Italy will join a European mission in Ukraine