India-Italy Collaboration Progresses: EAM Jaishankar
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Synopsis
EAM S. Jaishankar and Italian leaders discuss enhancing bilateral ties in various sectors, focusing on economic and strategic cooperation. The meeting emphasizes the importance of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 and the collaborative initiatives between India and Italy.
Key Takeaways
- Constructive discussions between India and Italy.
- Focus on bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.
- Advancement of the Joint Strategic Action Plan.
- Collaboration in business partnerships and education.
- Strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific.
New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Friday engaged in constructive discussions with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, along with Italy's Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, in New Delhi, collectively assessing bilateral cooperation and its progression in areas such as trade, investment, IMEC, maritime, security, research, technology, education, and culture.
“We also discussed current global issues, focusing on Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Asia. Our collaboration continues to grow and adapt, guided by the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 agreed upon by our leaders,” EAM Jaishankar shared on X following the meeting.
This high-level engagement represents a pivotal advancement of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in November 2024 during the Rio summit.
The Action Plan embodies the vision of both leaders to enhance the bilateral strategic partnership through tangible results that will benefit both nations.
“They have instructed us to collaborate with our respective industries, as well as scientific institutions and higher education entities, to promote business partnerships, coproduction, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge and talent between our countries,” EAM Jaishankar noted earlier while addressing the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum.
During his remarks, EAM Jaishankar emphasized that in recent years, India has been closely partnering with like-minded nations to establish resilient and trusted alliances that address both economic interests and strategic objectives.
“Italy is a top priority for us. There exists a natural complementarity in various sectors that we must leverage. Whether it is energy, transport, food processing, or light engineering, you possess the technologies and best practices that make such collaboration advantageous,” he stated.
India, he added, plays a crucial role in the Indo-Pacific, extending its influence westward.
“Considering both our geographical significance and levels of activity, it is logical to connect what Italy is accomplishing in the Mediterranean with India's initiatives in the Arabian Sea for mutual gain. The landmark India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, referred to by our Italian counterparts as the Cotton Road, was launched during India's G20 Presidency, wherein both our nations are participants, and will establish an entirely new global axis for economies, energy resources, and communications,” concluded EAM Jaishankar.
