New Delhi: Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is currently in India for a three-day official visit aimed at bolstering the strategic partnership between Italy and India. Tajani's visit, his second to India this year, underscores the growing momentum in bilateral relations across political, economic, and strategic domains.
Tajani began his visit in New Delhi, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reaffirm the deepening relations between the two nations within the framework of the Strategic Partnership initiated in 2023. He also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss a wide range of issues, including strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors such as defence, space, and culture. Discussions also included political cooperation, maritime security, critical technologies, and promoting people-to-people ties.
During the meeting with Jaishankar, the implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29 was reviewed, and both ministers defined the next objectives in priority areas of cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar described Italy as "one of India's closest partners," highlighting their joint commitment to countering terror financing. He also expressed gratitude for Italy's support following the recent terror incident in Delhi. Both countries are working together to counter the financing of terrorism, leveraging their partnership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Tajani also met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to explore collaboration prospects on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and operational initiatives such as a fast-track corridor for customs clearance.
On Thursday, Tajani will travel to Mumbai to co-chair the Italy-India Business Forum with the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. The forum will focus on economic cooperation in sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, sports technologies, and agri-food. Representatives from Italian entities like CDP, SIMEST, SACE, ITA, and Confindustria will participate. This is the third such forum in 2025, following meetings in New Delhi in April and Brescia in June.
Italy aims to reach 20 billion euros in annual trade with India by 2029. In 2024, trade between the two countries reached €14.3 billion.
Jaishankar emphasized that the India-Italy partnership is built on democratic values and a shared commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous world. He also acknowledged the progress made in strengthening security cooperation between the two countries.
Tajani's visit reflects the strengthening India-Italy Strategic Partnership, with both countries keen to expand collaboration across key sectors, including trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space, and education.
