India and the Czech Republic have agreed to expand defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on promoting the Make in India initiative and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The decision was taken during a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The two leaders reviewed the full range of defence industrial cooperation between the two countries and welcomed the ongoing collaboration, including the successful establishment of various joint ventures.
They agreed to further strengthen defence industry ties, including through the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, to advance domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance in the sector.
The discussions also covered issues related to peace and security. Both sides acknowledged the need for greater cooperation to maintain regional stability.
Rajnath Singh and Havlíček reiterated that India-Czech Republic relations are rooted in longstanding historical and cultural ties, as well as shared values of mutual trust and respect.
Havlíček is on a four-day visit to India and is scheduled to interact with various ministries, trade representatives and businesses. As part of his visit, he will also travel to Bengaluru and Mumbai to visit industrial facilities.
The meeting reflects the two countries’ continued efforts to strengthen bilateral engagement, particularly in defence industrial collaboration and manufacturing.
