India and the Czech Republic agreed to expand defence industrial cooperation on 13 October 2026 to promote India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The agreement followed a meeting in New Delhi between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček.
Bilateral defence cooperation
The two ministers reviewed existing defence industrial cooperation and acknowledged ongoing joint ventures between the countries. They agreed to expand cooperation under the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, the bilateral mechanism for discussions on defence cooperation. Their talks also covered peace and security, with both sides recognising the need for greater cooperation to maintain regional stability.
The partnership is associated with historical and cultural ties, as well as mutual trust and respect. Havlíček’s four-day visit includes meetings with Indian ministries, trade representatives and businesses, and visits to industrial facilities in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Defence manufacturing initiatives
Make in India was launched by the Government of India in September 2014 to promote manufacturing and investment in India. Aatmanirbhar Bharat, announced in May 2020, is a national initiative focused on self-reliance across sectors, including defence. Defence industrial cooperation with foreign partners can involve joint ventures and engagement between companies.
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) is organising an Indian defence industry delegation to Prague on 20 October 2026. The delegation is scheduled to take part in an India-Czech Defence Industrial Collaboration Seminar alongside the Future Forces Forum 2026, a defence and security exhibition.
India-Czech Republic: exam context
The Czech Republic became an independent state on 1 January 1993 following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. India had established diplomatic relations with Czechoslovakia in 1947. The Czech Republic joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.
Important Facts for Exams
:
- Make in India was launched in September 2014.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat was announced in May 2020.
- The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.
- The Future Forces Forum 2026 is scheduled to coincide with the India-Czech Defence Industrial Collaboration Seminar in Prague.
The India-Czech defence industrial engagement is being conducted under the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee.
