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defence cooperation

PM Modi Thanks Slovakia for Backing India-EU Trade Deal, Announces Stronger Bilateral Partnership

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed appreciation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for Slovakia’s support in advancing negotiations on the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), emphasizing that its early implementation would create major opportunities for industries, startups, and businesses in both nations. Speaking during a joint press statement in Bratislava, PM Modi said the successful completion of the India-EU FTA would mark an important step forward in economic cooperation between India and Europe while strengthening trade relations specifically between India and Slovakia. Highlighting future collaboration areas, Modi said technology will play a central role in the growing partnership. He pointed to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on digital technology, which is expected to boost cooperation in digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven initiatives. The Prime Minister also underscored the strong cultural ties shared by both nations, citing the translation of India’s ancient Upanishads into Slovak as a symbol of deep-rooted cultural connection. He added that the Indian community living in Slovakia continues to make valuable contributions to the country’s economy and social development. Addressing global affairs, Modi stated that both countries maintain close coordination on international matters and share a common belief that global conflicts and tensions must be resolved through peaceful dialogue. On defence ties, he said the sector reflects growing strategic trust between India and Slovakia. A newly signed Letter of Intent in defence cooperation, he noted, will strengthen joint development, manufacturing, and industrial collaboration between the two countries. PM Modi also announced the establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence at a Slovak university, stressing that the future of AI should be built on innovation while maintaining trust, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. Calling the visit historic, Modi highlighted that this marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia. During the visit, both countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, reflecting shared priorities and a common long-term vision. Speaking alongside Modi, Prime Minister Robert Fico backed India’s bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, saying India deserves a greater global role. He also welcomed the India-EU free trade negotiations, calling it one of the most ambitious trade agreements under discussion. Fico further expressed interest in expanding defence industry cooperation with India and praised the country’s rapid progress in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, noting that India is advancing faster than many Western nations in these sectors. He also congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister. Source: News on AIR

PM Modi Thanks Slovakia for Backing India-EU Trade Deal, Announces Stronger Bilateral Partnership Read More »

India, Italy Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership; Sign 15 Agreements Across Key Sectors

/ Governance Community

India and Italy have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. The visit resulted in the signing of 15 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The two nations signed Memorandums of Understanding covering agriculture, critical minerals, Ayurveda, science and technology, maritime transport and ports. A major agreement was also concluded to facilitate the mobility of Indian nurses to Italy, creating fresh opportunities for healthcare professionals. Another important pact focuses on the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, highlighting collaboration in maritime and cultural heritage. India and Italy also agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling tax crimes, money laundering and terror financing. Addressing a joint press statement after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 would serve as a forward-looking roadmap for bilateral ties. He added that both countries are working towards establishing an India-Italy Innovation Centre and expanding defence collaboration through the India-Italy Defence Industrial Roadmap. Prime Minister Modi said both maritime nations would strengthen cooperation in shipping, logistics, port modernisation and the blue economy. On global issues, he noted that India and Italy remain closely engaged on developments in Ukraine, West Asia and other international matters, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving conflicts. He also reiterated the need for decisive action against terrorism and terror financing networks. Highlighting economic ties, Mr Modi said Italy is recognised for its design and precision, while India has emerged as a centre for scale, talent and affordable innovation. He added that both countries will move ahead with the vision of “Design and Develop in India and Italy and Deliver for the World.” Prime Minister Meloni said the Special Strategic Partnership reflects the growing strength of India-Italy relations built on shared values and mutual trust. She also underlined the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors. The agreements are expected to boost trade, innovation, defence cooperation and people-to-people ties, while reinforcing collaboration on global peace, sustainable development and international security. Source: News on AIR

India, Italy Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership; Sign 15 Agreements Across Key Sectors Read More »

India and Philippines Forge Deeper Ties: 14 MoUs Signed to Boost Defence, Trade, Maritime, and Tourism Cooperation

/ Governance Community

In a significant diplomatic move marking the 75th anniversary of their bilateral ties, India and the Philippines on Tuesday signed 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to broaden cooperation across key strategic areas. The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who is on his first state visit to India. These new agreements signal a strengthening of ties between the two nations and include a wide range of sectors such as defence, maritime security, space, digital technology, science, tourism, and legal collaboration. One of the key outcomes was the adoption of Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), laying the foundation for deeper economic integration. This step is expected to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows between the two growing economies. The MoUs also include treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and structured staff talks between the respective Air Forces, Armies, and Navies. Additionally, the two countries agreed to enhance coordination between their Coast Guards, especially in the context of rising maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The maritime dimension of the partnership was further highlighted by the recent completion of the first India-Philippines Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea — a region rife with overlapping territorial claims. Three Indian naval vessels — INS Delhi (D61), INS Kiltan (P30), and INS Shakti (A57) — participated in the joint patrols. The partnership also takes a leap forward in science, space, and technology. India’s ISRO and the Philippine Space Agency signed a Statement of Intent to collaborate on the peaceful use of outer space, while a new Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (2025–2028) was signed to foster joint research and innovation. In tourism, both nations agreed on an Implementation Program for Cooperation in Tourism (2025–2028). As a goodwill gesture, India also announced a gratis e-tourist visa facility for Filipino citizens for one year starting August 2025. Cultural connections were celebrated through a commemorative stamp release, featuring the national flowers — India’s lotus and the Philippines’ Sampaguita — symbolizing enduring ties. A Cultural Exchange Programme was also agreed upon to promote people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the “ancient cultural bond” between the two countries, citing the Philippine version of the Ramayana — Maharadia Lawana — as a testament to their long-standing relationship. “We are friends by choice and partners by destiny,” Modi said. President Marcos hailed the elevation of the partnership to strategic status, noting India as the Philippines’ fifth strategic partner. He pointed to the growing synergy between the two nations and their alignment on global and regional issues. To guide the growing cooperation, both countries adopted a Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025–2029, which will serve as a roadmap across multiple sectors — including health, pharmaceuticals, fintech, digital economy, infrastructure, culture, and multilateral coordination. India has also extended support to help the Philippines build a Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure as part of its digital transformation efforts and has invited the Philippines to participate in the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). This wide-ranging set of agreements reflects the shared vision of India and the Philippines to shape a secure, prosperous, and interconnected Indo-Pacific region. Source: ANI

India and Philippines Forge Deeper Ties: 14 MoUs Signed to Boost Defence, Trade, Maritime, and Tourism Cooperation Read More »

India, US Set to Sign New 10-Year Defence Agreement by Year-End

/ Governance Community

India and the United States are on track to formalize a fresh 10-year Defence Framework Agreement by the end of 2025, marking a new chapter in their strategic military partnership. The announcement was confirmed by US Senior Defence Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine following a high-level phone conversation between US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. According to a Pentagon release, the two leaders agreed to finalize and sign the updated framework during their scheduled meeting later this year. The agreement aims to deepen defence collaboration, enhance joint operational capabilities, and promote greater defence industrial cooperation. Taking to social media platform X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the discussion, stating: “Glad to speak with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today. We had an excellent exchange on advancing India-US defence cooperation and capacity building. I thanked the US for its consistent support in India’s fight against terrorism and look forward to meeting him soon.” Secretary Hegseth reiterated the United States’ commitment to strengthening defence ties with India, recognizing it as a pivotal partner in the South Asian region. Both leaders took stock of the progress made since the February 2025 Joint Statement issued by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, which laid out key defence goals. As per the Pentagon, the conversation also covered several strategic points: upcoming major US defence sales to India, the need for tighter defence industry collaboration, and enhancing joint military capabilities. India’s Ministry of Defence, in a separate statement, confirmed that the dialogue spanned a broad spectrum of topics, including long-term defence cooperation, personnel training, and expanded military exchanges. The discussions also touched on increasing joint exercises, interoperability between armed forces, logistical cooperation, and strengthening global partnerships with other like-minded nations. Both countries emphasized accelerating momentum in these areas to elevate their bilateral defence relationship to new heights in the coming decade. Source: ANI

India, US Set to Sign New 10-Year Defence Agreement by Year-End Read More »

PM Modi and Cyprus President Hold Strategic Bilateral Talks in Nicosia, Pledge Deeper India-Cyprus Ties

/ Governance Community

On his official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive bilateral talks with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday. The meeting, marked by a ceremonial welcome, focused on strengthening ties across multiple domains and underlined both countries’ shared commitment to peace, security, and global cooperation. Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked Cyprus for its firm condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam (April 2025), highlighting the strong solidarity between the two nations in the fight against terrorism. “Cyprus’s unwavering support reflects our mutual commitment to counter-terrorism efforts,” he noted. The leaders reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. PM Modi reiterated India’s continued backing of a unified Cyprus and called for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and European Union principles. The talks covered a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation — from trade and cultural exchange to defence and digital innovation. New areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, start-ups, and mobility were identified as future avenues for collaboration. Significantly, both sides agreed to formulate a five-year roadmap aimed at boosting strategic cooperation. Key priorities include launching maritime and cyber security dialogues and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms to jointly combat terrorism, arms smuggling, and narcotics trafficking. As Cyprus prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the leaders committed to further advancing the India–EU relationship. They reviewed progress on the India–EU Strategic Dialogue and stressed the urgency of concluding the long-delayed Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025. President Christodoulides assured India that Cyprus would champion the EU–India strategic partnership during its presidency, particularly in areas like green energy, defence, maritime security, and space collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme earlier in January 2025 as a key step toward deeper defence ties. They also welcomed the formation of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, seen as a vital mechanism for expanding trilateral engagement. Discussions also touched on the need for improved air connectivity to boost business, tourism, and educational exchange. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it a transformative initiative for long-term regional prosperity. On the global stage, India and Cyprus reaffirmed their shared commitment to reforming international governance institutions. PM Modi appreciated Cyprus’s support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a restructured United Nations Security Council, noting, “The global order must evolve to reflect current realities.” The leaders also exchanged views on international developments, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. To bolster cultural ties, both countries signed an MoU to set up an India Studies Chair at the University of Nicosia under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The meeting underscored a growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Cyprus, setting the tone for a more robust partnership in the years ahead. Source: DD News

PM Modi and Cyprus President Hold Strategic Bilateral Talks in Nicosia, Pledge Deeper India-Cyprus Ties Read More »