"Defence, Trade & Security": MEA Secy Sibi George On PM Modi's High-Stakes Italy & Europe Visit

The upcoming visit by the Prime Minister to Italy is set to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Discussions will focus on expanding defence cooperation, including regular dialogues, service-to-service ties, and the exchange of port visits. Both sides are exploring avenues for defence industrial collaboration, such as the co-development and co-production of defence equipment, alongside enhancing maritime security cooperation. The visit builds on the joint initiative announced last year to counter the financing of terrorism. Furthermore, the collaboration aims to support the vibrant Indian diaspora in Italy, which includes an estimated two point five lakh individuals and over six thousand students. Several key agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed to strengthen the institutional framework. Coming on the heels of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the Security and Defence Partnership, and the Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, this visit will reinforce ties with Europe across trade, investment, innovation, technology, and green energy sectors.