A Flourishing Bilateral Relationship Rooted in Shared Vision
India and Italy, two nations with rich histories and dynamic economies, have witnessed a remarkable transformation in their bilateral relations over the past few years. Once bound primarily by trade, the relationship has now expanded into a robust strategic partnership, covering a wide range of sectors including defence, research, education, maritime security, and technological innovation.
This evolving partnership gained significant momentum following the announcement of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29 during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. Spearheaded by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni, the plan outlines a shared commitment to advancing cooperation with tangible outcomes.
As both nations navigate a rapidly changing global order, their alignment on economic and geopolitical interests—especially in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions—signals a forward-looking collaboration poised to shape regional and global frameworks.
High-Level Talks Signal Momentum in Strategic Collaboration
On April 12, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, along with Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, in New Delhi. Their “productive discussions” spanned multiple sectors—trade, investment, maritime security, research, education, and culture—underscoring the depth and breadth of the bilateral agenda.
Jaishankar noted that both sides reviewed the implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan and exchanged views on regional developments across Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Asia. He emphasized India’s growing engagement with like-minded partners and positioned Italy as a key collaborator.
“We are looking at complementarity,” Jaishankar said, pointing out how Italian expertise in sectors like energy, food processing, and light engineering aligns with India’s development priorities. He also highlighted the synergies between Italy’s Mediterranean initiatives and India’s growing influence in the Arabian Sea and Indo-Pacific region.
The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: A Landmark Initiative
One of the focal points of the talks was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched under India’s G20 Presidency. Italy refers to this as the “Cotton Road,” emphasizing its strategic value. The corridor is envisioned as a transformative global axis for trade, energy, and communication—linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe in a seamless economic chain.
Jaishankar described it as a “landmark initiative” that opens up new channels for collaboration, where both countries play pivotal roles. The corridor is not only an infrastructure venture but also a political statement about trusted connectivity and sustainable growth.
Italy Seeks Deeper Economic and Technological Partnerships
Speaking at the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Tajani expressed Italy’s strong interest in expanding economic cooperation. He called India a “vital partner” for global trade and regional stability and reiterated Italy’s commitment to increasing investments, boosting exports, and inviting Indian businesses into the Italian market.
“Our bilateral trade has already crossed $14 billion, and we believe this is just the beginning,” Tajani said. He pointed to high-potential sectors such as AI, supercomputing, space research, and defence where joint ventures could yield strategic dividends.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal echoed this sentiment. He highlighted India’s ambitious economic trajectory—aiming for a $30–35 trillion economy by 2047—and noted that such growth presents an unparalleled opportunity for nations like Italy to engage deeper.
Goyal also spotlighted new frontiers for cooperation including fashion, tourism, pharmaceuticals, green tech, and automobiles. “The roadmap we are building is one of resilience and reciprocity,” he said.
A Future Built on Innovation, Trust, and Shared Growth
The India-Italy partnership stands at an inflection point—driven by mutual respect, economic ambition, and a shared vision for regional and global prosperity. With the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29 serving as a blueprint, both countries are actively redefining the contours of their relationship—from transactional trade ties to a full-spectrum strategic alliance.
As the world grapples with uncertainties in geopolitics and supply chains, the India-Italy collaboration offers a model of balanced growth, innovation-led engagement, and responsible diplomacy. With high-level political will and strong institutional frameworks, the two nations are poised to shape a prosperous, secure, and interconnected future together.
(With agency inputs)
