The 13th edition of the India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting was successfully conducted from March 20-21 in Rome when the officials discussed identifying new avenues to expand the scope of bilateral military-focused cooperation.

"The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff IDC (A) from Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), representing India, and the Deputy Head of the Strategic Direction and Military Cooperation Division of the Italian Defence General Staff, representing Italy," read a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Key agenda points included enhanced exchange programs, capability development efforts and strengthening collaboration between the Indian and Italian armed forces.

"The meeting also reviewed ongoing defence engagements, assessing their progress and exploring ways to optimize future interactions," the statement said.

MCG As Key Institutional Mechanism

The Ministry of Defence said the MCG serves as a key institutional mechanism to enhance defence cooperation between the armed forces of both nations, fostering stronger military-to-military engagements and strategic collaboration.

India-Italy Defence Relationship

Indian Army has a unique historical connect with Italy. It played a significant role in advances of the allied forces for the liberation of Italy in the Second World War.

Out of the 20 Victoria Crosses awarded in Italian Campaign, six were awarded to Indians. 5,782 Indian soldiers were killed in action and are honored in 40 Commonwealth War Graves Cemetries spread all over Italy, read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Italy.

The defence relationship was initially focused on import of defence equipments to India.

However, cooperation has now expanded to include training, industry cooperation including export of defence equipment, sharing of information, Port Calls, Maritime Exercises, maritime security, etc.

Italy has a well-established defence industry. Fincantieri has signed an MoU with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in the field of shipbuilding.

The Italian Navy Ship (ITS Morosini) made a port call in Mumbai in August, 2023.

Indian Navy Ship INS Sumedha held Maritime PASSEX Exercise along with ITS Morosini off the coast of Sardinia in April, 2023.

Italian Navy also participated in MILAN 2024 Naval Exercises, Vishakapatnam in February, 2024.

Italian Carrier Strike Group led by Aircraft Carrier ITS Cavour made a Port Call in Goa in October, 2024. A Defence Industry Forum was held on the occasion, and the Italian and Indian navies held joint exercises.

Italian Training ship ITS Vespucci visited in Mumbai from 28 November-02 December, 2024 as part of its tour to the Indo-Pacific and for strengthening maritime relations with India.

(With inputs from IBNS)