India Asks Italy Not to Share Defence Tech with Pakistan

India has officially told Italy not to share defence technology with Pakistan. This is a key step in India's security strategy.
By Newsroom | Foreign Relations, Defence |

NEW DELHI - India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has formally urged Italy to cease any potential sharing of sensitive defence technologies with Pakistan. The pronouncement came during high-level bilateral discussions on Thursday, April 30, 2026, focused on bolstering military and industrial ties between India and Italy.

Sources indicate the Italian delegation provided assurances that specific defence technologies offered to India would be kept exclusive, not disseminated to third countries.

Singh's direct appeal to his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, during their meeting at the Manekshaw Centre, underscores India's unwavering stance on its security interests. This move follows a pattern of India expressing similar apprehensions to other nations, notably the Netherlands, regarding their defence collaborations with Pakistan.

The discussions between Singh and Crosetto also explored avenues for deeper India-Italy strategic partnership, explicitly mentioning collaboration on "globally exclusive defence technologies" and the exploration of joint industrial ventures. This aligns with India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, while also acknowledging Italy's existing defence cooperation frameworks.

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"The India-Italy Strategic Partnership is based on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect." - Official Indian Government Statement

Italy, a member of NATO, appears to be cultivating its defence interests in the Indo-Pacific region. For Italy, the burgeoning defence market in India presents significant opportunities, particularly as New Delhi champions indigenous manufacturing while selectively permitting foreign technology transfers under stringent conditions.

This meeting precedes an anticipated visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Italy, marking his first bilateral engagement with the nation.

Separately, on April 22, 2026, Rajnath Singh had alluded to India's enhanced military capabilities, noting a transition from import dependency to becoming a defence exporter. While speaking in Germany, Singh also addressed regional tensions, including those in West Asia, remarking on potential responses to a "neighbour trying to create trouble."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did India's Defence Minister talk to Italy about defence technology on April 30, 2026?
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally asked Italy not to share sensitive defence technology with Pakistan. This happened during high-level talks about military and industrial ties between the two countries.
Q: What did Italy promise India about defence technology?
Sources say the Italian team told India they would keep defence technologies offered to India just for India and not give them to other countries.
Q: What does India want from Italy regarding defence?
India wants to work with Italy on defence but wants to ensure that any technology shared with India is not then passed on to Pakistan. This is part of India's plan to be self-reliant in defence.
Q: What else was discussed between India and Italy?
The ministers also talked about making their strategic partnership stronger and looking into joint projects for defence industries. This comes before Indian Prime Minister Modi visits Italy.