At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a crucial bilateral meeting that focused on expanding the India-Italy relationship. The discussions centered on practical steps to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defence, space, science and technology, and cultural exchanges. The outcome was a set of initiatives designed to enhance collaboration over the next five years.
Enhancing Economic Cooperation
A major focus of the meeting was boosting economic ties between India and Italy. Both leaders agreed to advance the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, which outlines concrete steps to increase trade and investment. The two countries plan to build on existing frameworks like the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation and the Italy-India Joint Working Group on Food Processing to improve market access and create new business opportunities.
Key sectors identified for greater collaboration include transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies. Industrial partnerships will also be expanded, with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and sustainable mobility. Both countries aim to support each other’s growth by fostering investments and facilitating business exchanges in these high-potential areas.
Strengthening Connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor
India and Italy also agreed to cooperate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe. This corridor has the potential to significantly improve regional trade links and boost economic activity. The two sides will focus on sustainable transport and maritime infrastructure, with plans to finalize agreements related to port cooperation. Strengthening these trade routes will benefit not only India and Italy but also the broader region.
Advancing Science, Technology, and Innovation
The meeting also highlighted the growing importance of science and technology in the bilateral relationship. Both countries agreed to collaborate more closely on critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and the digitalization of services. One of the key outcomes was the launch of the Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme, which aims to facilitate partnerships between academic institutions, start-ups, and industries in both nations.
Additionally, the two countries will implement the Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation for 2025-2027, which will support joint research projects and mobility programs for researchers. Space exploration was also discussed, with plans for an Italian delegation to visit India in 2025 to explore further collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
Defence and Security Cooperation
India and Italy agreed to strengthen their defence and security ties. The two leaders decided to hold annual Joint Defence Consultative (JDC) meetings and Joint Staff Talks (JST) to improve coordination in defence matters. They also discussed establishing a Defence Industrial Roadmap to foster cooperation in defence manufacturing. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AIAD) will further enhance collaboration in this area.
Both countries committed to closer cooperation on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and transnational crime. Annual meetings of the Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Crime will be held to coordinate efforts to address these challenges.
Migration, Mobility, and Cultural Ties
The leaders also discussed migration and mobility, agreeing to promote safe, legal migration channels and improve labor recruitment processes. These measures aim to create more transparent and fair pathways for workers between the two countries.
On the cultural front, India and Italy will increase exchanges in education, film, and heritage preservation. Both countries agreed to support university collaborations and film co-productions, as well as work together on restoring and preserving historical sites. The Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation, signed in 2023, will provide the framework for these initiatives.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Partnership
The meeting between Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni underscored both countries’ commitment to expanding their partnership in a variety of fields. With clear action plans now in place, India and Italy are well-positioned to strengthen their ties over the next five years.