- India, Czech Republic expanding defence industrial cooperation.
- Focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing capabilities, 'Make in India'.
- VTDS, DEUS Automation partner for ammunition production.
India and the Czech Republic are looking forward to expand defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing capabilities and stronger industrial partnerships.This comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech Republic's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlicek on October 13 reviewed the entire spectrum of defence industrial cooperation between the two countries and agreed to expand collaboration under the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee to promote 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
During their bilateral meeting in New Delhi, the two leaders welcomed the ongoing collaboration and the successful establishment of various joint ventures, while agreeing to further strengthen defence industrial ties.
Meanwhile, India and the Czech Republic have been exploring opportunities to strengthen defence industrial relations through technology sharing, joint production, research and development, and capacity building. The India-Czech Joint Defence Committee provides a platform for discussions on existing cooperation and potential areas for further engagement.
In a post on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Had a wonderful meeting with the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Mr. Karel Havlicek in New Delhi today. We reviewed the entire spectrum of Defence Industrial Cooperation and we were pleased to note the progress and success of various Joint Ventures. We also agreed to further expand this collaboration under the aegis of India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat."
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Had a wonderful meeting with the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Mr. Karel Havlicek in New Delhi today. We reviewed the entire spectrum of Defence Industrial Cooperation and we were pleased to note the progress and success of various Joint Ventures. We also agreed to further expand this collaboration under the aegis of India-Czech Joint Defence Committee, to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 13, 2026
VTDS and DEUS Automation Partnership
Against this backdrop, the technology partnership between Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS) and DEUS Automation a.s., a sister company of the Czech STV Group, highlights the growing role of industrial collaboration in strengthening India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Industry-level ties have also picked up. In August, Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS), which holds a Home Ministry licence to manufacture small arms and ammunition, signed a technology partnership with DEUS Automation, a sister company of the Czech STV Group, under which the Czech firm will supply technology to produce small-calibre ammunition in India.
The partnership brings together VTDS's domestic manufacturing ambitions and DEUS Automation's technological expertise, supporting efforts to develop local production capabilities and strengthen industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Leadership and Industry Collaboration
VTDS is represented by Mr. Sahil Luthra, Founder and Managing Director, and Ms. Prikansha Luthra, Co-Founder and Director.
DEUS Automation a.s. is represented by Mr. Alex Cerny, Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board, and Mr. Ondrej Cerny, Manager of Sales, Projects & Purchase.
The partnership reflects the contribution that company-level collaborations can make towards strengthening industrial ties between India and the Czech Republic, particularly in areas involving technology transfer and domestic manufacturing.
As India continues to strengthen its domestic defence production capabilities, international technology partnerships can help build local manufacturing expertise and expand industrial capacity.
The VTDS-DEUS Automation partnership illustrates how collaboration between companies can complement broader bilateral efforts to deepen defence industrial relations and promote technological cooperation between India and the Czech Republic.
( With inputs from agency )