Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have announced a comprehensive joint plan to bolster the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, unveiling an ambitious roadmap during their meeting at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The framework spans diverse areas, from economic cooperation to space exploration, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties.
Political Dialogue and Economic Growth
The leaders emphasized regular high-level political exchanges and annual consultations to strengthen cooperation across ministries, with a focus on trade, defence, and foreign affairs. Both sides aim to leverage joint commissions and working groups to enhance bilateral trade and investment in key sectors such as green technologies, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable mobility.
Connectivity and Technological Innovation
Connectivity was highlighted as a priority, with plans to enhance maritime and land infrastructure collaboration, particularly under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). The partnership also aims to boost cooperation in critical and emerging technologies like AI, digital services, and clean energy, alongside fostering start-up ecosystems through an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme.
Expanding Space and Energy Collaborations
In the space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Italian Space Agency (ASI) will collaborate on Earth observation, lunar science, and space exploration. A mid-2025 mission to India by Italian space industry representatives will further solidify these ties. On energy transition, both nations plan joint initiatives on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels, contributing to global alliances like the International Solar Alliance.
Defence and Security Initiatives
Defence cooperation will be intensified through regular consultations, interoperability exercises, and co-development of defence platforms. Italy’s growing focus on the Indo-Pacific aligns with India’s strategic interests. In the security domain, the two countries committed to combating terrorism, cybercrimes, and transnational crime, supported by regular joint working group meetings and capacity-building programmes.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people connections, the roadmap includes enhancing student mobility, academic partnerships, and vocational training. Plans for co-production in cinema, cultural exhibitions, and the preservation of heritage sites aim to enrich bilateral cultural ties.
Migration and Mobility
A pilot project will facilitate the training of Indian health professionals for employment in Italy, promoting safe and legal migration while addressing labour needs. Both sides also agreed to increase mobility for students, researchers, and academics.
A Strategic Vision for the Future
The joint initiatives reflect a shared vision of sustainable development and innovation, addressing global challenges like climate change, security, and technological advancement. With these initiatives, India and Italy aim to establish themselves as strategic partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the roadmap would “usher in a new era of India-Italy relations,” while Prime Minister Meloni affirmed her commitment to working closely with India to realize the ambitious goals.
The implementation of this roadmap is expected to commence in early 2025, setting the stage for a dynamic partnership rooted in shared values and mutual interests.