High-level talks spotlight enhanced cooperation in trade, tech, defence, education, and cultural exchange under JSAP 2025-29
Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, arrived in India for a two-day official visit from April 11-12, 2025.
Accompanied by Anna Maria Bernini, Italy’s Minister of University and Research, and a prominent delegation of business leaders, university representatives, and research institutions, Tajani’s visit marks a new phase of strategic cooperation between India and Italy.
The visit emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as defence, digital tech, AI, clean energy, academic exchange, and mobility under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29.
During the visit, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Deputy PM Tajani, reviewing the expanding scope of India-Italy collaboration in sectors ranging from space, science, and technology to renewable energy, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. The talks reflected mutual satisfaction at the pace of high-level interactions and reiterated a commitment to achieving concrete outcomes under the JSAP roadmap.
The Dy PM Tajani also met with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister and is expected to call on the Hon’ble President of India. Minister Bernini, meanwhile, held discussions with Indian Ministers of State for Science & Technology and Education, fostering further cooperation in research and higher education.
Both nations also reaffirmed their shared interest in global developments, including Italy’s support for the Indo-Pacific and a mutual commitment to advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), with Italy appointing a dedicated Special Envoy for the initiative.
A major highlight of the visit was the inaugural India-Italy Business, Science, and Tech Forum, co-chaired by EAM Dr. Jaishankar, CIM, DPM Tajani, and Minister Bernini. The forum gathered over 100 Italian and Indian companies across strategic sectors such as Industry 4.0, clean energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and defence to forge collaborations through B2B meetings and joint ventures.
Additionally, an Education, Science, Tech, and Innovation Forum was held, where universities and research institutions from both countries discussed academic and research cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Italy’s Ministry of University and Research to boost scientific collaboration.
Further underlining cultural ties, Dr. Jaishankar and Tajani visited an exhibition featuring the works of 17th-century Italian master Caravaggio at the Italian Cultural Centre. The trip also celebrated Roman mosaics and Italian textiles, enriching the cultural landscape between the two nations.
The visit highlighted the growing depth and diversity of India-Italy relations, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to elevating their strategic partnership and enhancing global cooperation.
