NewKerala.com

India-Italy Talks Boost Strategic Ties, Focus on Trade, Security & Indo-Pacific

India and Italy held their 9th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with progress under their Joint Strategic Action Plan, particularly in trade, technology, defence, and security. Key discussions included implementing initiatives to counter terrorism financing and establishing a Maritime Security Dialogue. The talks build on recent high-level engagements between the nations' leaders and aim to deepen the strategic partnership.

Key Points: India, Italy Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Key Talks

  • Review of Joint Strategic Action Plan
  • Enhanced defence & security collaboration
  • Progress on India-EU trade deal
  • Commitment to counter-terrorism financing
3 min read

India and Italy discuss bilateral ties, regional-global issues of mutual interest

India and Italy held Foreign Office Consultations, reviewing bilateral cooperation, trade, defence, and global issues like Indo-Pacific security.

"The FOC provided an opportunity to review and discuss the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, March 20

India and Italy held the 9th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on Friday, discussing entire gamut of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The officials of India and Italy expressed happiness on growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union (EU) and welcomed the conclusion of landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the signing of Security and Defence Partnership and the Comprehensive Framework on Cooperation on Mobility. They discussed key developments in Indo-Pacific, West Asia and other global and regional issues of shared interest.

"The FOC provided an opportunity to review and discuss the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides expressed satisfaction on the progress of Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29 particularly in sectors of trade and economy, technology, space, research & innovation, defence and security, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, education and people-to-people ties," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

"Both sides agreed on expeditious implementation of India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism in line with their joint commitment to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. Both sides are also working for holding the first Maritime Security Dialogue to enhance collaboration for safety, security and growth across the maritime domain," it added.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen collaboration in skilling and mobility including in healthcare sector within the framework of Migration and Mobility Agreement. For the meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West), MEA, Sibi George, while the Italian delegation was led by Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director General for Globalisation and Global issues at Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Foreign Office Consultations were held in the backdrop of regular and frequent high level engagement between two nations, the most recent ones being meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November last year and meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Delhi in December 2025.

"India-Italy bilateral relations are on an upward trajectory, with regular high level interactions, ministerial dialogues and growing engagements at private sector level. Both sides looked forward to continued engagement including regular meetings of institutional mechanisms in trade and investment, defence, science and technology for timely implementation of Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) across all domains to further deepen India-Italy strategic partnership. Both sides agreed to hold next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Italy on mutually convenient dates," the MEA stated.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see progress on the Joint Strategic Action Plan. The counter-terrorism financing initiative is particularly important. However, I hope the benefits of these agreements, especially in trade and mobility, actually reach the common people and small businesses, not just large corporations. Implementation is key.
R
Rohit P
Maritime Security Dialogue is a smart move. With our long coastline and strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, collaborating with a key European partner like Italy on maritime safety and security makes perfect sense. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the healthcare sector, I'm very interested in the collaboration mentioned on skilling and mobility in healthcare. If managed well, this could help address skill gaps here and provide great opportunities for Indian professionals abroad. Win-win.
V
Vikram M
Strong ties with Italy and the EU are vital for balancing our foreign policy. While we focus on our immediate neighborhood and strategic partners like the US, such engagements in Europe diversify our options and bring in crucial investment and technology. Good diplomatic work.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions "people-to-people ties". I hope this translates to easier visa processes and more cultural exchanges. Italy has so much history and art, and India has a rich culture to share. Let's build bridges, not just trade deals.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50