India and Italy Conduct Comprehensive Review of Strategic Partnership
Officials from India and Italy convened in New Delhi on Friday for the 9th round of Foreign Office Consultations, marking a significant step in reinforcing their dynamic strategic partnership. The discussions, led by key diplomats, focused on evaluating and enhancing cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors, including trade, technology, defence, and counter-terrorism efforts.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
The consultations were co-chaired by Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West) at India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director General for Globalisation and Global Issues at Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This high-level meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to deepening their bilateral relations through structured dialogue and collaborative initiatives.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the productive nature of the talks, noting that both sides reviewed the diverse facets of the India-Italy strategic partnership. The officials expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29, which spans critical areas such as trade and economy, technology, space exploration, research and innovation, defence and security, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.
Background of Strengthening Relations
The consultations took place against a backdrop of regular high-level engagements between India and Italy, reflecting the upward trajectory of their relationship. Notable interactions include meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in 2025, as well as discussions between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in New Delhi in December 2025. These engagements have laid a solid foundation for ongoing cooperation and mutual understanding.
Key Outcomes and Future Initiatives
During the consultations, both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, reaffirming their joint commitment to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. Additionally, plans are underway to hold the first India-Italy Maritime Security Dialogue, aimed at enhancing collaboration for safety, security, and growth across the maritime domain.
The discussions also welcomed the strengthening of the European Union-India strategic partnership, particularly highlighting the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the signing of a Security and Defence Partnership, along with a Comprehensive Framework on Cooperation on Mobility. Emphasis was placed on bolstering collaboration in skilling and mobility, especially within the healthcare sector, under the framework of the Migration and Mobility Agreement.
Forward-Looking Commitments
Both nations acknowledged that India-Italy relations are on an upward trajectory, driven by regular high-level interactions, ministerial dialogues, and increasing private sector engagement. To sustain this momentum, they agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Italy at mutually convenient dates, ensuring continued progress and alignment on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
This meeting not only reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation but also set the stage for future collaborative efforts, reinforcing the strategic partnership as a cornerstone of international diplomacy and mutual growth.
