NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech Republic’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, Karel Havlíček, on Tuesday agreed to expand bilateral defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on strengthening joint ventures and advancing India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
The two leaders reviewed the full range of defence industrial cooperation between the two countries during bilateral talks in New Delhi and discussed ways to deepen the existing partnership, including through the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee.
Welcoming the ongoing collaboration and the establishment of several joint ventures, both sides agreed to explore further avenues of cooperation in the defence sector. The proposed expansion is expected to build on existing industrial partnerships and strengthen efforts to promote domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence.
The discussions also covered issues relating to peace and security, with both leaders acknowledging the need for greater cooperation to maintain regional stability.
Rajnath Singh and Havlíček reiterated that India-Czech relations are underpinned by historical and cultural ties, as well as shared values of mutual trust and respect.
Havlíček is on a four-day visit to India, during which he is scheduled to interact with various ministries, trade representatives and businesses. His itinerary also includes visits to industries in Bengaluru and Mumbai, reflecting the broader industrial and commercial engagement accompanying his visit.
The talks underline the two countries’ intent to build on existing defence industry links and expand cooperation through established bilateral mechanisms.
