defence and security partnership

India and the US are prioritizing 'Make in India' in defense cooperation, following recent talks between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and US secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions also covered energy security, trade, and advancements in critical technologies like semiconductors and AI, underscoring a deepening strategic alliance.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's India visit highlights a deepening defence partnership, now a comprehensive strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions focused on sustained progress and regional security. India is a vital US partner, with cooperation in security, trade, and technology central to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Key agreements and joint exercises are enhancing interoperability and information sharing.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh is on a crucial multi-nation tour to Vietnam and South Korea, aiming to bolster strategic military ties, defense industry partnerships, and maritime collaboration. This visit follows recent high-level dialogues, underscoring India's commitment to enhancing security and stability within the Indo-Pacific region through strengthened bilateral engagements.

India and the UAE have significantly deepened their defence ties in 2026, moving towards joint industrial production of advanced weaponry and enhanced maritime and cyber security. This strategic partnership, backed by substantial UAE investment, aims to bolster India's defence manufacturing and secure vital trade routes amidst regional instability.

India and Italy have forged a Special Strategic Partnership, revitalizing defence and industrial ties. A new roadmap prioritizes co-development and co-production of military systems, including helicopters and naval platforms, aligning with India's 'Make in India' vision. This collaboration also extends to counterterrorism and space exploration, marking a significant step forward for both nations.

India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi to review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions covered trade, energy, defense, AI, and counter-terrorism, with both sides emphasizing their 'strategic ally' status and shared interests. India highlighted its strategy to diversify energy sources for security amid global uncertainties.

Prime Minister Modi's five-nation tour secured nearly $40 billion in investment, with over 50 global firms pledging fresh capital and expansion. Key sectors like semiconductors, defence, and energy saw significant commitments. India elevated ties with the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, fostering strategic partnerships and boosting economic cooperation.

Foreign Minister of Australia, Penny Wong, announced that she will visit India to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting and hold the Australia-India Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue.

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore, with the US emerging as the top buyer for sub-systems and components. This remarkable growth, nearly tripling in five years, is fueled by strategic partnerships like the proposed Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement with the US and domestic reforms, positioning India as a global defence exporter.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a defence manufacturing hub in Shirdi, emphasizing India's drive for self-reliance in advanced weapons and critical military technologies. He highlighted that future wars will hinge on munition and automation, not just troop numbers. The new complex aims to boost military preparedness and domestic production, fostering innovation in explosives and next-generation weapons.

India and Oman have significantly bolstered their defence ties with specialized military training for Omani forces. This initiative, involving Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force experts, focused on enhancing joint operational coordination and logistics. The move underscores deepening strategic cooperation amidst regional security concerns and follows recent discussions on West Asia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, discussing deepening strategic ties across defense, trade, technology, and the Indo-Pacific. Rubio's visit, which includes meetings with Quad foreign ministers, highlights the strong partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared values and cooperation.

India and Cyprus elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, aiming to boost bilateral investments in sectors like defense and tourism. This move strengthens Cyprus's defense capabilities and positions it as a key European entry point for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, countering regional geopolitical challenges.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's South Korea visit deepens defence ties, exploring collaboration on missile systems and the KIND-X initiative. This builds on India's historical humanitarian role during the Korean War, commemorated by a new memorial. The partnership aims for co-development of advanced defence technologies, fostering innovation and industrial integration between the two nations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and external affairs minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed strong US-India strategic ties, highlighting cooperation in defence, trade, energy and technology. Rubio said US visa reforms were global, not India-specific, while condemning racist remarks against Indian Americans. Both leaders discussed energy security, Quad cooperation, trade negotiations, Iran tensions and India’s multi-alignment foreign policy approach.

India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.