India and Italy Deepen Strategic Partnership Under Joint Action Plan 2025-2029
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had 'fruitful discussions' with visiting Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and Italy's Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, in New Delhi. The discussions were on reviewing and deepening bilateral cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), maritime and security affairs, research, technology, education, and culture.
Also shared perceptions on the recent global developments, such as in Europe, the Mediterranean and West Asia. Our partnership remains evolving and shaping, with guidance from the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 reached by our leaders, Jaishankar wrote on X after the meeting.
This top-level meeting made a significant step towards the rollout of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in November 2024 during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The Action Plan sets out a joint vision to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Italy with a focus on delivering concrete results which will benefit both countries.
"They have tasked us with working with our respective sectors, as well as with scientific institutions and higher education centers of our countries, to promote business partnerships, co-production, innovation, and sharing of knowledge and talent between our two countries", Jaishankar stated while speaking at the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum earlier during the day.
He underscored that India has been cooperating closely with like-minded partners over the past few years to establish robust and trusted partnerships that address not just economic but also strategic interests.
"Among that list, Italy is high for us. In most sectors, there is natural complementarity that we must tap into. Whether it is energy, transport, food processing, or light engineering, Italy possesses the technologies and best practices that make cooperation worthwhile", he added.
Jaishankar also pointed to India's increasing role in the Indo-Pacific and its outreach to the west.
Based on both geography and strategic involvement, it makes complete sense to connect what Italy is doing in the Mediterranean to what India is doing in the Arabian Sea. This alignment is beneficial to both sides", he added.
Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Jaishankar called it a milestone initiative that was initiated during India's G20 Presidency. The corridor, which Italy calls the 'Cotton Road', is poised to create a new global axis for economic activity, energy movement, and communications, with both nations playing central roles.
