India-Czech defence ties: Rajnath Singh meets Karel Havlíček
Why in the news
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, in New Delhi on 13 October 2026 for bilateral talks on defence cooperation.
Key facts
- Review: The two leaders went over the whole range of India-Czech defence industrial cooperation.
- Joint ventures: They welcomed the ongoing work and the setting up of several joint ventures between the two countries’ industries.
- Joint Defence Committee: They agreed to expand cooperation, including through the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, in support of Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Security: They discussed current peace and security issues and agreed that closer cooperation is needed for regional stability.
- Visit: Havlíček is on a four-day visit to India, meeting ministries, trade bodies and businesses, with industry visits planned in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
About India-Czech relations
Both sides described the partnership as based on historical and cultural links and shared values of mutual trust and respect. Defence industry links, through joint ventures and the Joint Defence Committee, are a key pillar of the relationship.
Exam angle
- Karel Havlíček: First Deputy PM and Minister of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic.
- Forum for defence ties: India-Czech Joint Defence Committee.
- Link to Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.