Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 (GS Paper 2, IR)
Why in the Spotlight?
- India and Italy have set forth a strategic framework to further enhance their bilateral relationship with the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
- This action plan, released after a high-level meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil, outlines the vision for strengthening cooperation in various key sectors, including defence, trade, energy, space, and more.
Key Developments in India-Italy Bilateral Relations
Historical Context
- India and Italy established diplomatic relations in 1947, and since then, both countries have worked to foster a strong partnership.
- In November 2020, the 2020-2025 Action Plan was launched during a virtual summit between the two countries’ prime ministers.
- A significant step forward occurred in March 2023, when Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited India and the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Economic Ties
- The trade relationship between India and Italy is robust.
- In 2023, bilateral trade reached €14.34 billion, with India enjoying a trade surplus.
- Italy is India’s fourth-largest trading partner within the EU, and both countries are keen to expand trade in sectors like green technologies, sustainable mobility, and semiconductors.
- Additionally, Italy ranks as the 18th largest foreign investor in India.
Defence and Security Cooperation
- India and Italy share a historical connection, with Indian soldiers making a significant sacrifice in Italy during World War II.
- Both countries are now expanding their collaboration in the defence and aerospace sectors, including joint production initiatives and technology transfers.
- The two countries also cooperate through the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and share efforts to enhance maritime security, including anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Energy and Environmental Cooperation
- Energy transition is a key focus of the partnership, with both countries signing a Strategic Partnership on Energy Transition in 2021.
- This partnership promotes collaboration on green hydrogen, biofuels, and other renewable energy technologies.
- Additionally, both countries are part of the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Solar Alliance, working to address global climate challenges.
Science, Technology, and Innovation
- The partnership includes deepening ties in critical technologies such as AI, telecom, and digital services.
- Both countries also emphasize collaboration in clean energy, Industry 4.0, and STEM education.
- The Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme is one of the initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and start-up collaborations between the two nations.
Highlights of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029
Political Dialogue
- The two countries will maintain regular dialogues at the highest levels, including annual bilateral consultations between their foreign ministries.
- They aim to strengthen ministerial meetings and promote more in-depth sectoral cooperation.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
- The plan highlights the intent to strengthen bilateral trade and foster joint ventures in high-potential sectors, particularly in sustainable mobility, food processing, and advanced manufacturing.
- It also encourages participation in trade fairs and business forums to promote industrial partnerships.
Connectivity and Infrastructure
- Italy and India will collaborate on sustainable transport solutions and enhance cooperation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, improving maritime and land infrastructure. A maritime and port cooperation agreement is expected to be finalized.
Space Sector Collaboration
- The action plan outlines expanded cooperation between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Key areas of collaboration include Earth observation, lunar exploration, and heliophysics.
- Both countries aim to promote the peaceful use of outer space, with plans to organize a space delegation visit to India by mid-2025.
Energy Transition and Green Technologies
- Both countries will organize Tech Summits to foster industrial partnerships, focusing on green hydrogen, biofuels, and renewable energy solutions.
- They are committed to supporting global initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Defence and Security
- The countries will hold annual Joint Defence Consultative meetings and Joint Staff Talks.
- The focus will be on strengthening maritime cooperation, developing interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, and creating a Defence Industrial Roadmap to guide future initiatives.
Migration and Mobility
- India and Italy will work on promoting safe migration channels and enhancing labour training programs, especially for healthcare professionals.
- Plans include facilitating student and academic mobility and tackling irregular migration challenges.
Cultural Cooperation
- Cultural exchanges will be expanded through initiatives like university partnerships, heritage preservation projects, and film co-productions.
- The countries will also work together on exhibitions and tourism promotion, further deepening their cultural and academic ties.
Conclusion
- The Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 represents a significant leap in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
- By focusing on critical sectors like defence, trade, space exploration, and energy transition, the plan outlines a path forward for an even deeper strategic partnership.
- The comprehensive nature of this plan, coupled with the shared vision for sustainable development and innovation, underscores the growing importance of India-Italy relations on the global stage.
