India and the Czech Republic have agreed to expand defence industrial cooperation to support the Make in India initiative and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech Republic First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček reviewed bilateral defence cooperation during a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Defence, both leaders welcomed ongoing collaboration and the successful establishment of several joint ventures. They agreed to strengthen existing partnerships and expand cooperation under the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee.

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Rajnath Singh said, "Had a wonderful meeting with the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Mr. Karel Havlicek in New Delhi today. We reviewed the entire spectrum of Defence Industrial Cooperation and we were pleased to note the progress and success of various Joint Ventures. We also agreed to further expand this collaboration under the aegis of the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat."

The discussions focused on strengthening defence industrial ties and supporting India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities through bilateral partnerships.

The two leaders also discussed issues related to peace and security. They recognised the need for greater cooperation to maintain regional stability.

The Ministry of Defence said both countries reiterated that their partnership rests on historical and cultural ties, along with shared values of mutual trust and respect.

Havlíček is on a four-day visit to India, during which he is holding meetings with various ministries, trade representatives and businesses. He is also scheduled to visit Bengaluru and Mumbai to interact with industries.