Pakistan during New Delhi talks.
Ministry
ISLAMABAD: In a surprising move during high-level bilateral talks in New
Delhi, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh directly pressed his Italian
counterpart Guido Crosetto not to share sensitive defence technology with
Pakistan.
The request highlights ongoing Indian attempts to limit Pakistan’s access
to advanced military capabilities.
Pakistan’s defence establishment views such pressure as a sign of India’s
discomfort with Islamabad’s growing self-reliance and international
partnerships.
Analysts note that Pakistan Armed Forces have steadily enhanced their
indigenous production and diversified suppliers despite external
constraints.
Global Firepower 2026 rankings place Pakistan as the 14th most powerful
military out of 145 countries with a Power Index score of 0.2626.
The country maintains approximately 685,000 active personnel supported by
550,000 reserves and strong paramilitary forces.
Pakistan Army stands among the world’s largest with over 560,000 troops
while the Air Force and Navy continue modernisation drives.
Recent years witnessed successful integration of advanced platforms
including JF-17 Thunder fighters co-developed with China that now attract
export interest from multiple nations.
Pakistan has demonstrated combat-proven systems and offers cost-effective
solutions bundled with training and maintenance support.
This capability has positioned Pakistan as an emerging player in the global
arms market particularly in Asia Africa and the Middle East.
During the April 30 2026 meeting at Manekshaw Centre Rajnath Singh hosted
Guido Crosetto for discussions on defence industrial cooperation and West
Asia situation.
The two sides exchanged the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026-27
focusing on joint exercises and training.
India pushed for deeper ties under its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative while
seeking alignment with Italian defence frameworks.
Yet the explicit request regarding Pakistan reveals underlying Indian
concerns about regional balance.
Pakistan Italy relations remain cordial with history of economic
cooperation and people-to-people ties.
Over 150,000 Pakistanis reside in Italy contributing to bilateral goodwill.
Italian naval visits to Karachi have previously underscored shared
interests in maritime security.
Pakistan has pursued independent defence modernisation leveraging both
indigenous innovation and reliable international partners.
The Pakistan Air Force’s operational readiness and recent technological
integrations have strengthened deterrence capabilities.
Ground forces maintain high professional standards with extensive
experience in counter-terrorism and conventional readiness.
Such developments occur amid Pakistan’s focus on peace through strength
without aggressive posturing.
Rajnath Singh reportedly raised broader regional issues during the talks
including terrorism concerns.
Pakistan Armed Forces have consistently contributed to global
counter-terrorism efforts sacrificing thousands of personnel in operations.
The military’s role in stabilising the region through decisive actions
against extremism stands recognised internationally.
India’s attempt to influence third-party defence engagements with Pakistan
appears aimed at containing Islamabad’s progress.
However defence experts highlight that such diplomatic pressure often
proves counterproductive in today’s multipolar arms landscape.
Pakistan continues to invest heavily in research and development producing
advanced munitions avionics and armoured systems locally.
The country’s defence industry has grown more outward-looking offering
competitive alternatives to traditional suppliers.
This self-sufficiency reduces vulnerability to external restrictions and
enhances strategic autonomy.
Talks between India and Italy also covered potential exports and industrial
partnerships.
Yet the spotlight remains on the specific caution issued regarding
technology transfer to Pakistan.
Observers question whether such requests reflect genuine security worries
or efforts to maintain perceived superiority.
Pakistan’s track record shows responsible use of defence capabilities
focused on territorial defence and internal security.
The armed forces prioritise modernisation while upholding strict
professional ethos and constitutional loyalty.
Future implications of this diplomatic exchange could influence broader
European engagement with South Asian defence markets.
Italy maintains independent foreign policy and has previously explored
commercial opportunities with various partners.
Pakistan welcomes constructive defence cooperation based o