External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday held “productive 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 talks focused on reviewing and enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), maritime and security affairs, research, technology, education, and culture.
“Also exchanged views on contemporary global developments, including in Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Asia. Our partnership continues to develop and evolve, guided by the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 agreed by our leadership,” Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
This high-level engagement marked an important step forward in implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which was announced 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 outlines a shared vision for strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Italy, with a focus on achieving tangible outcomes that will benefit both nations.
“They have directed us to work with our respective industries, as well as with scientific establishments and higher education institutions, to facilitate business collaborations, co-production, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge and talent between our two countries,” said Jaishankar while addressing the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum earlier in the day.
He emphasised that India has been working closely with like-minded partners in recent years to build resilient and trusted partnerships that serve not only economic but also strategic interests.
“For us, Italy ranks high on that list. In many sectors, there is a natural complementarity that we need to leverage. Whether it is energy, transport, food processing, or light engineering, Italy has the technologies and best practices that make collaboration fruitful,” he noted.
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific and its outreach towards the west.
“Given both geography and strategic engagement, it makes perfect sense to link what Italy is doing in the Mediterranean with what India is undertaking in the Arabian Sea. This alignment offers mutual benefit,” he said.
Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Jaishankar described it as a landmark initiative launched during India’s G20 Presidency. The corridor, which Italy refers to as the “Cotton Road,” is expected to establish a new global axis for economic activities, energy flow, and communications, with both countries playing key roles.
-IANS
