In a bid to strengthen the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil. During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways of strengthening their ties in various sectors, which also included economic relations, defense, technology, and cultural exchange.
One of the major outcomes of the Summit was the commitment to the expansion of cooperation on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The two leaders unanimously consented that migration, mobility, and scientific innovation need more cooperation. Both agreed to the implementation of the Executive Programme for Scientific. And Technological Cooperation for 2025-27, co-funding joint research and mobility projects.
In the sphere of economic cooperation, India and Italy are committed to increasing bilateral trade and investment. Both sides will emphasize transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies. The two countries will support industrial partnerships in both countries and increase cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and sustainable mobility.
The two leaders agreed on the development of connectivity by cooperation in sustainable transport, and maritime infrastructure, inter alia, within the IMEEC framework. They also discussed how to enhance research collaboration in key. And future technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Telecom, and Digital Services.
India and Italy would like to continue strengthening their cooperation in space exploration between ISRO and ASI. A joint mission is scheduled for mid-2025 for space research and commercial collaboration.
The two sides agreed to strengthen defense and security cooperation. Including regular Joint Defence Consultative meetings every year, training exchanges, and a Defence Industrial Roadmap. Both sides will cooperate in the fields of cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and transnational crimes.
Culturally, India and Italy will facilitate university collaborations and work towards film co-productions. They also agreed to focus on the preservation of heritage sites and the extension of cultural ties under the Executive Programme of Cultural Cooperation signed in 2023.
PM Modi summed up, saying that the India-Italy relationship can substantially contribute towards a better future for the world.
ANI