India and Italy Strengthen Strategic Ties: Key Areas of Focus Revealed

In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, India and Italy have agreed to expand cooperation in crucial areas such as trade, defense, clean energy, and high technology. This initiative includes collaborative efforts in implementing the ambitious India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

High-Level Discussions

The discussions took center stage during last evening’s meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and Italian Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani. This meeting highlighted the potential for deepening cooperation under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) for 2025-29.

Ministerial Visit

Deputy Prime Minister Tajani, who serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is currently on a two-day visit to India as part of furthering these discussions.

Key Areas of Review

During delegation-level talks, Jaishankar and Tajani reviewed progress under the JSAP framework, focusing on trade and investment, defense and security, space, science and technology, clean energy transition, and enhancing people-to-people ties, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Potential Growth Areas

The two leaders underscored the immense potential for India-Italy cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, telecommunications, digital technologies, renewable energy, biofuels, education, and the mobility of youth and professionals.

JSAP Announcement

The Joint Strategic Action Plan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following their meeting in November last year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Commitment to Partnership

Jaishankar and Tajani reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the bilateral strategic partnership and achieving concrete outcomes from the JSAP, with the MEA emphasizing that Tajani’s visit is pivotal in diversifying bilateral cooperation.

Global and Regional Perspectives

The ministers exchanged insights on global and regional developments that align with mutual interests, with Jaishankar welcoming Italy’s continued focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

Advancing the IMEEC Initiative

They reinforced their commitment to advancing the strategic IMEEC initiative, with the external affairs minister welcoming Italy’s recent appointment of a special envoy dedicated to the corridor.

Vision for IMEEC

Promoted as a groundbreaking initiative, the IMEEC aims to create extensive road, rail, and shipping networks connecting Saudi Arabia, India, the United States, and Europe, fostering integration across Asia, the Middle East, and the West.

IMEEC Background

The IMEEC initiative was solidified on the sidelines of the G20 Summit held in Delhi, where an agreement was signed among India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the UAE, the US, and various G20 partners.

Meetings with Other Officials

During his visit, Tajani also engaged with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Business, Science, and Technology Forum

Jaishankar, Goyal, and Tajani co-chaired the inaugural India-Italy Business, Science, and Tech Forum, which is designed to facilitate collaborations in technology, innovation, academic partnerships, co-production, and joint ventures.

Active Participation

The forum attracted participation from more than 100 Italian companies and Indian counterparts across key sectors such as Industry 4.0, infrastructure, clean energy transition, and aerospace and defense.

Business Meetings

Numerous business-to-business meetings were held with the aim of establishing solid economic and commercial partnerships between the nations.

Exploring Educational Collaborations

An Education, Science, and Tech Innovation Forum was also organized, featuring heads of universities and research centers from both countries to explore research and innovation opportunities, as well as higher education collaborations.

MoU for Scientific Research

India’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Italy’s Ministry of University and Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing cooperation in scientific research efforts.

Looking Ahead

This growing partnership between India and Italy not only holds promise for economic growth but also for addressing global challenges through innovative solutions and robust collaboration.