Strengthening Strategic Ties: Italy’s Deputy PM Visits India
The Live Info Media
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, undertook a three-day visit to India with the goal of significantly reinvigorating the economic and strategic partnership between the two nations.1 This was Tajani’s second visit this year, underscoring the high importance Italy places on its relationship with India amidst shifting global trade dynamics.2 Tajani described India as a “long-trusted friend” and a “priority” for Italy.3
A core focus of the visit was to shore up economic ties by promoting industrial collaborations, joint ventures, and co-development projects. Tajani emphasized that Italy is keen to contribute to the “India growth story,” citing India’s rapid achievements in sectors like infrastructure, new technologies, IT services, and space. To facilitate this, the Italian Foreign Ministry has launched a dedicated $500 million financing line to support Italian companies entering the Indian market and establishing joint ventures. Italy aims to significantly increase bilateral trade from the current approximate 4$\text{€}14$ billion to 5$\text{€}20$ billion by 2029.6
Tajani held high-level meetings with Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and was also accompanied by a large business delegation.7 The discussions focused on a wide array of sectors outlined in the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, covering trade, investment, research, innovation, defence, space, and education.
Key strategic topics dominated the agenda, notably maritime security and connectivity, including the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The Indian side highlighted the mutual benefits of combining India’s workforce and manufacturing capabilities with Italian technology.8 Both leaders also appreciated the progress being made on the Joint Strategic Action Plan across multiple sectors.9
Cooperation on counterterrorism was a significant point of discussion. Jaishankar thanked Tajani for Italy’s solidarity following a terror incident in New Delhi.10 Furthermore, the two nations have a joint initiative to counter terrorist financing, and India views Italy as a key partner in global counterterrorism efforts, particularly within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).11 They also discussed regional and global issues, including the situations in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.12
The visit concluded with Tajani set to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai, further highlighting the centrality of economic collaboration in the bilateral relationship.13 The overall message from both sides was a commitment to a stronger, enduring partnership built on democratic values, benefiting both their peoples and the global community.
