India, Italy unveil strategic action plan to enhance bilateral ties

EAM Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi meet at G20 Summit, address border and bilateral issues

November 20, 2024

Discussions focused on resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and enhancing people-to-people ties

The leaders agreed that border disengagement has contributed to peace and tranquillity in the region

Both sides will hold meetings of special representatives and the foreign secretary-vice minister mechanism soon

China requested India to resume visa services for its nationals across tourism, business, and other sectors.

India and Italy formalised a landmark four-year joint strategic action plan (2025–29) during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in ten critical areas, emphasising defence, security, connectivity, and mobility.

The plan includes negotiating a Defence Industrial Roadmap between their Ministries of Defence and facilitating partnerships between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD). Regular joint defence meetings and staff talks will foster greater interoperability and cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Security cooperation forms a cornerstone of the plan, focusing on combating terrorism, cybercrimes, and transnational crime. Both nations will exchange expertise, enhance capacity-building activities, and share best practices in judicial and police matters. Annual bilateral meetings on combating terrorism will continue as part of the collaboration.

Under the connectivity pillar, India and Italy plan to develop maritime and land infrastructure, aligning with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). Italy’s Port of Trieste will serve as a key hub for the initiative. Additionally, a maritime cooperation agreement is set to strengthen port sector ties.

Migration and mobility initiatives will include a pilot programme for training Indian health professionals for employment in Italy and increased mobility for students, researchers, and academics. The plan also seeks to address irregular migration through enhanced cooperation.

The partnership extends to other sectors such as economic investments, science and technology, space exploration, energy transition, and cultural exchanges. Agreements will promote start-up ecosystems, sustainable energy, and people-to-people connections, fostering a comprehensive relationship between the two nations.

This ambitious roadmap underscores India and Italy’s commitment to fostering mutual growth and addressing global challenges through strategic collaboration.

Source: Economic Times

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