ROME — India and Italy signed a Defence Industrial Roadmap in May 2026, deepening their defense relationship. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Rome that month, both countries defined their relationship as a "Special Strategic Partnership."

This collaboration follows a period of strained ties. Indian authorities canceled the AgustaWestland helicopter contract in 2014. The contract, signed in 2010 for 12 VIP helicopters valued at $432 million, was intended for the Indian president, prime minister, and other dignitaries. The cancellation occurred after Italian authorities arrested Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi in February 2013 on allegations of paying $60 million in bribes to secure the deal. India's defense minister ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe in February 2013.

Following these allegations, India suspended Leonardo, formerly Finmeccanica, from defense-related business. This suspension blocked the supply of 127-millimeter naval guns that were in the pipeline for Indian warships, Black Shark torpedoes for Scorpène submarines, and a midlife upgrade for over 20 Sea King naval helicopters. Although Finmeccanica rebranded as Leonardo in 2016, India did not lift the ban that year. Leonardo remained outside India's defense market for seven years after 2016.

Political re-engagement between India and Italy occurred in November 2021. At that time, the Indian government prohibited Leonardo from making any financial claims based on earlier agreements. Historically, Italy supplied India with the Breda 40-millimeter anti-aircraft gun system, deployed on smaller Indian naval vessels. Leonardo, through its Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei subsidiary, also supplied the Black Shark heavyweight torpedo for India's Scorpène-class submarines. Since 1994, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has licensed-manufactured the OTO Melara 76-millimeter gun, designed in Italy, for the Indian navy.

The OTO Melara 76-millimeter gun is used by 60 navies worldwide and is installed on dozens of Indian warships and Coast Guard vessels. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited received a $310 million contract in November 2023 to manufacture 16 upgraded versions of this gun. These 16 upgraded guns are intended for new ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.