“A partnership not just of shared values, but of mutual geopolitical vision and practical collaboration.” — India-Italy Strategic Roadmap 2025
India and Italy are entering a transformative phase in their bilateral relationship, marked by ambitious cooperation across trade, defence, clean energy, and connectivity. From the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) to the structured Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–2029, the two nations are solidifying a strategic partnership that aims to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and global diplomacy.
This partnership is rooted in mutual geopolitical vision, institutional mechanisms, and practical collaborations. As the global order continues to shift, the India-Italy relationship stands out as a model of modern, forward-looking international cooperation.
📜 Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–2029
Announced during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro (2023), the JSAP 2025–2029 outlines the roadmap for the India-Italy Strategic Partnership over the next five years. This blueprint focuses on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors that will define the future of bilateral relations.
The plan is structured around four key pillars:
- Advanced Technologies: Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and telecommunications
- Green Energy: Renewable energy, green hydrogen, biofuels, and electric mobility
- Emerging Sectors: Biotechnology, space technology, and innovation ecosystems
- Youth Mobility: Professional exchanges, student visas, dual degrees, and leadership development programs
This structured plan aims to institutionalize dialogues and create a framework for sustainable innovation and knowledge sharing between the two nations. The JSAP represents a shift from ad-hoc cooperation to systematic, goal-oriented partnership.
Think of JSAP as a detailed five-year friendship contract between India and Italy. Instead of just meeting occasionally, they have created a structured plan with specific goals in technology, energy, defence, and education — ensuring both countries work together systematically towards shared objectives.
🌍 India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)
IMEEC is a landmark initiative that will serve as a multimodal trade and connectivity bridge linking India to Europe via the Middle East. Designed to rival traditional trade routes and reduce dependence on existing shipping lanes, this corridor promises transformative benefits for participating nations.
The corridor offers three major advantages:
- Streamlined Logistics: Faster cargo movement through integrated rail, road, and maritime networks
- Energy Security: Enhanced pipelines and digital infrastructure for energy transmission
- Regional Integration: Stronger economic ties between India, Gulf nations, and European markets
Italy’s commitment is evident through the appointment of a dedicated IMEEC envoy, reinforcing its pivotal role in the project’s implementation. For India, this marks a strategic opportunity to reshape its global trade footprint while aligning with trusted European partners. The corridor also positions Italy as India’s key gateway to the European Union.
IMEEC is often compared to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, unlike BRI’s debt-trap concerns, IMEEC emphasizes transparent partnerships, sustainable development, and democratic governance — making it an attractive alternative for nations seeking balanced economic integration.
| Aspect | Traditional Routes | IMEEC Corridor |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 25-30 days (Suez Canal) | Estimated 15-20 days |
| Connectivity | Primarily maritime | Multimodal (rail, road, sea, digital) |
| Energy Integration | Limited infrastructure | Dedicated energy pipelines & cables |
| Strategic Control | Vulnerable chokepoints | Diversified route options |
✨ Core Areas of India-Italy Cooperation
The India-Italy partnership is built on four interconnected pillars that drive bilateral engagement and create synergies across sectors:
1. Trade and Investment
Italy serves as a gateway for Indian businesses to access European markets. While specific bilateral trade figures are growing, Italy’s role in facilitating India-EU commerce is increasingly strategic. Key sectors include pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive components, and luxury goods. Italian investments in India focus on manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
2. Defence and Security
Defence collaboration includes shared technology platforms, joint research and development, and maritime domain awareness programs. Both nations are working on counter-terrorism intelligence sharing, cybersecurity frameworks, and co-production of defence equipment under the “Make in India” initiative. Italy’s advanced aerospace and naval technologies complement India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.
3. Clean Energy and Sustainability
Cooperation on green hydrogen, renewable energy projects, and electric vehicle technology forms the backbone of energy partnership. Italy brings expertise in solar panel manufacturing and sustainable urban planning, while India offers scale, innovation ecosystems, and deployment opportunities. Joint ventures in biofuels and carbon capture technology are also being explored.
4. Technology and Innovation
AI research labs, joint cybersecurity centers, and digital infrastructure projects mark the technology cooperation agenda. Student exchange programs in engineering and computer science, dual degree partnerships between IITs and Italian universities, and collaborative startup incubators are creating a knowledge corridor between the two nations.
Key Fact: Italy is a G7 member and the third-largest economy in the Eurozone, making it a strategic partner for India’s European engagement. The 200,000-strong Indian diaspora in Italy serves as a cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.
⚖️ Diplomatic Mechanisms and Cultural Exchanges
India and Italy have institutionalized their bilateral engagements through high-level meetings, ministerial visits, and strategic action frameworks. The recent meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani underscored three priority areas:
- Rapid Implementation of JSAP 2025–2029: Tracking progress on all cooperation areas
- Joint Monitoring of IMEEC Milestones: Ensuring coordinated execution with Gulf partners
- Enhanced Multilateral Dialogue: Coordination in G20, EU-India summits, and UN platforms
These engagements promote policy coherence and multi-sectoral collaboration, making bilateral ties both agile and resilient.
People-to-People Connectivity
Approximately 200,000 people of Indian origin live in Italy, strengthening cultural and societal ties. Key initiatives include:
- Student exchange programs and dual degree partnerships between Indian and Italian universities
- Mutual recognition of academic qualifications in engineering and medicine
- Scholarships and research fellowships for emerging leaders
- Facilitation of professional mobility for Indian IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers
- Joint cultural festivals, language programs, and heritage conservation projects
These efforts are pivotal for building future leadership networks and fostering long-term understanding between the two nations.
Don’t confuse: IMEEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) with IMEC (India-Middle East Corridor) or the older Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC). IMEEC specifically includes Europe and has Italy as a key partner, announced at the G20 2023 summit.
🌏 Geopolitical Vision: Indo-Pacific and Global South
India and Italy are aligned in their vision for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Their geopolitical cooperation extends beyond bilateral interests to shape regional and global governance:
- Support for India’s Act East Policy: Italy endorses India’s leadership in Southeast Asian engagement
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Collaborative maritime security and ocean governance programs
- ASEAN Centrality: Both nations affirm ASEAN’s central role in regional diplomacy
- Multilateral Reform: Joint advocacy for UN Security Council reform and WTO modernization
- Global South Leadership: Italy recognizes India’s role in representing developing nations
- South-South Cooperation: Promoting inclusive development and technology transfer
Italy’s strategic tilt towards Asia is increasingly informed by India’s leadership role in the Global South, creating fertile ground for joint diplomatic advocacy. Both nations oppose unilateral actions in maritime domains and support peaceful resolution of disputes through international law.
📌 Recent Strategic Milestones
Recent months have witnessed notable accelerations in India-Italy cooperation:
- Signing of JSAP 2025–2029: Establishes a comprehensive framework for future ties across all sectors
- Italy’s Inclusion in IMEEC: Reinforces commitment to global connectivity and trade integration
- Defence Collaborations: Shared tech platforms, joint defence R&D, and maritime domain awareness programs launched
- Clean Energy Partnerships: Agreements on green hydrogen projects and renewable energy technology transfer
- Cultural Diplomacy: Italy increases support for Indian cultural festivals, language programs, and collaborative archaeological projects
- Academic Exchanges: New dual degree programs between IITs and Italian technical universities
These developments underscore a partnership that is action-oriented, future-facing, and mutually reinforcing. The momentum built in 2023-2024 sets the stage for transformative cooperation in the JSAP implementation period.
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JSAP 2025-2029 was announced at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2023.
IMEEC stands for India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, connecting these three regions.
The four pillars are Trade and Investment, Defence and Security, Clean Energy and Sustainability, and Technology and Innovation. While space cooperation exists, it is not listed as a separate pillar.
Approximately 200,000 people of Indian origin live in Italy.
Antonio Tajani is Italy’s Foreign Minister who met with Dr. S. Jaishankar.
