India and the Czech Republic have agreed to strengthen bilateral defense-industrial cooperation. This will focus on boosting domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiatives.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Czech Republic’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, Karel Havlíček, in New Delhi on October 13. Both leaders reviewed all aspects of defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries and welcomed the progress made through ongoing collaboration and existing joint ventures.
Both sides agreed to explore ways to enhance defense cooperation through the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, with an emphasis on supporting domestic manufacturing and strengthening industrial partnerships.
Issues related to peace and security were also discussed during the conversation. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of enhanced cooperation in maintaining regional stability and reiterated that India-Czech relations are based on long-standing historical and cultural ties, as well as mutual trust and respect.
Havlicek is on a four-day visit to India and will hold discussions with various ministries, industry representatives, and business leaders. His itinerary also includes visits to industries in Bengaluru and Mumbai, enabling him to meet key figures in the industrial sector.
This visit offers India and the Czech Republic an opportunity to further strengthen their existing defense and industrial ties and explore avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation.
