Rajnath, Czech first deputy PM agree to expand defence cooperation between two countries

NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with First Deputy PM and minister of industry and trade of Czech Republic Karel Havlícek and agreed to further expand defence cooperation as both reviewed the entire spectrum of defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.While the two sides welcomed the ongoing collaboration and successful establishment of various joint ventures, they agreed to expand this cooperation, including under the aegis of India-Czech Joint Defence Committee to promote ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The two also discussed the ongoing issues of peace and security and acknowledged the need for greater cooperation to maintain regional stability. They reiterated that the partnership between India and Czech Republic is based on historical and cultural ties, and shared values of mutual trust and respect.Havlícek, who is on a four-day visit to India and is interacting with various ministries, trade and businesses, is scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru.Defence secretary in Cyprus to boost security cooperationDefence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Chief of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus Lt Gen Emmanouel Theodorou to discuss bilateral defence and security cooperation and regional security developments. Both sides agreed to enhance military-to-military engagement and explore collaboration in training and capacity building in emerging domains, including AI, cyber security, electronic warfare and multi-domain operations. After visiting Cyprus, the defence secretary will tour Greece to boost maritime security and defence industrial cooperation