The relationship between India and Italy has reached a decisive stage, evolving from a cordial friendship into a special strategic partnership grounded in shared values of freedom, democracy, and a common vision for the future. Amid profound changes in the international system, the partnership is guided by regular high-level political and institutional exchanges, gaining a new dimension that combines economic dynamism, societal creativity, and millennia-old civilizational wisdom.
Deepening Bilateral Ties
Both nations are committed to deepening and diversifying their bilateral relationship to pursue new objectives and pool complementary strengths. They aim to forge a powerful synergy between Italian design, manufacturing excellence, and world-class supercomputers—reflecting Italy's industrial prowess—and India's rapid economic growth, engineering talent, scale, and innovation ecosystem with over 100 unicorns and 200,000 start-ups. This is not simple integration but a co-creation of value where respective industrial strengths amplify each other.
Trade and Investment Goals
The Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and India paves the way for increased trade and investment. India and Italy aim to reach and exceed the Euro 20 billion target for bilateral trade by 2029, with a focus on defence, aerospace, clean technologies, machinery, automotive components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agri-food, tourism, and more. The synergy between 'Made in Italy' and 'Make in India' initiatives is evident, with over 1,000 businesses from each side now operating in the other country, strengthening supply chain integration.
Technological Innovation at the Core
Technological innovation lies at the heart of the partnership. The coming decades will be shaped by advances in AI, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure. India's dynamic innovation ecosystem and skilled talent pool, combined with Italy's advanced industrial capabilities, make cooperation in these sectors natural and strategic. Growing university and research centre partnerships support this.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure
India's Digital Public Infrastructure resonates with many countries, especially in the Global South. Italy and India collaborate to ensure AI development is responsible and human-centred, viewing AI as a powerful instrument for inclusive development. Building on India's MANAV vision—putting humans at the centre of technology—and Italy's leadership in 'algor-ethics' rooted in humanist tradition, the partnership seeks to ensure AI acts as a catalyst for social empowerment. By sharing best practices in secure digital cooperation, capacity-building, and resilient cyber infrastructure, they aim to create an open, trustworthy, and equitable digital space. This perspective forms the core of Italy's G7 Presidency and outcomes of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
Space and Security Cooperation
Cooperation extends to the space sector, with India's advancements in space exploration and satellite technology and Italy's aerospace engineering excellence offering opportunities for joint initiatives. Security and stability remain essential, with both countries strengthening cooperation in defence, security, and strategic technologies to ensure security of critical maritime routes and resilience against terrorism, criminal networks, drug trafficking, cyber-crimes, and human trafficking.
Energy Partnership
Energy is another key pillar. The global transition to diversified energy sources requires innovation, investment, and cooperation. India and Italy collaborate on renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, smart grids, and resilient infrastructure. India's push to become a hub for green hydrogen exports complements Italy's advanced renewable technology and its role as an energy gateway for Europe. Collaboration in India-led initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuels Alliance is also important.
Connectivity and the Indo-Mediterranean
Physical, digital, and human connectivity weaves the two nations together. Both are located at the heart of crucial economic hubs—the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean—which are increasingly interconnected. The emergence of the Indo-Mediterranean corridor for trade, technology, energy, data, and ideas ties the Indian Ocean to Europe. The India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor represents a vision to connect regions through modern transport, digital networks, energy systems, and resilient supply chains, with both countries committed to making this vision a reality.
Shared Values and Vision
India and Italy address shared challenges through profound partnership and enduring cultural ties. Indian concepts of 'Dharma' (responsibility) and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) resonate with Italy's humanist tradition from the Renaissance, highlighting individual dignity and culture's power to unite. This shared vision lays the foundation for a strong, forward-looking partnership with people at its centre.
