INDIA-ITALY STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: INTERNATIONAL RELATION
NEWS: India, Italy Seek to Deepen Ties with Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Piyush Goyal
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
India and Italy have elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, defence, technology, and clean energy, with a Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025–29) as the roadmap. Italy’s exit from China’s BRI and its support for IMEEC strengthens its strategic alignment with India.
1. Recent Visit and Strategic Focus
• The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, visited India to deepen bilateral relations.
• The visit aimed to boost cooperation in key sectors such as trade, defence, clean energy, innovation, and technology.
• A major focus was placed on collaboration under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) for the period 2025–2029.
• Both countries discussed enhancing connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), positioning it as a strategic alternative to China’s BRI.
2. Historical and Diplomatic Ties
• India and Italy share ancient cultural and trade links, going back to the time of the spice trade.
• Italian port cities once served as key nodes connecting the East to the Mediterranean region.
• The travels of Marco Polo to India in the 13th century symbolized civilizational engagement between the regions.
• Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1947, the year India gained independence.
• In 2023, both countries elevated their ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership, recognizing their shared democratic values and mutual interests.
3. Economic Engagement
• Bilateral trade between India and Italy reached approximately $13.22 billion in 2023–24.
• Indian exports accounted for $7.94 billion during this period.
• Italy ranks as India’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union.
• It is also the 17th largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India since 2000.
• However, the trade relationship faces hurdles such as non-tariff barriers, regulatory delays, and inadequate logistics infrastructure.
4. Defence and Security Cooperation
• Defence cooperation has expanded with joint naval engagements such as the PASSEX exercise between INS Sumedha and ITS Morosini off the coast of Sardinia in 2023.
• Italy’s participation in MILAN 2024, a multinational naval exercise hosted by India, further reinforced maritime ties.
• Past tensions like the Italian Marines case in 2012 caused diplomatic strain, affecting trust in defence ties.
• Additionally, Italy’s sale of military equipment to Pakistan has led to concerns in India regarding policy alignment.
5. Multilateral Cooperation
• Both countries strongly support multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
• Italy is a member of several Indian-led global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), and IMEEC.
• These platforms reflect the convergence of interests in sustainable development and connectivity.
6. Cultural and People-to-People Relations
• India and Italy enjoy vibrant cultural exchanges, ranging from yoga and Bollywood to Italian fashion and cuisine.
• In 2023, the Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation was signed for the period 2023–2027.
• The Indian diaspora in Italy is estimated to be over two lakhs, including many Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
• The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed in 2023 has enabled smooth and legal migration for students, researchers, professionals, and seasonal workers.
7. Challenges in the Bilateral Relationship
• Trade ties continue to be limited by structural issues such as non-tariff barriers and regulatory red tape.
• Legacy issues like the 2012 marines case and divergent positions on arms exports remain sensitive points.
• There is also a need for closer alignment in defence and strategic policies to overcome trust deficits.
8. Future Opportunities and Recommendations
• The successful implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29 can unlock potential in defence, education, green technology, and sustainable development.
• Strengthening startup ecosystems through joint innovation hubs and incubation centres in AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy can benefit both nations.
• Easing FDI norms and streamlining regulatory frameworks can encourage greater investments in both directions.
• India and Italy have identified new areas for synergy including fashion, luxury products, food processing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and high-end manufacturing.
• The India–Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum has provided a platform to expand cooperation in areas like supercomputing, space technology, and innovation.
Source: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-italy-seek-to-deepen-ties-with-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-piyush-goyal/