Italy and India are fast-tracking their strategic alignment, with defense cooperation emerging as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In an interview with Decode39, Ambassador Rao emphasized growing industrial, geopolitical, and security convergences between the two countries—from innovation to connectivity and military interoperability.
Decoding the news. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke by phone with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on April 24, offering condolences for the victims of the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir.
- According to Palazzo Chigi, the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to fighting international terrorism and agreed to intensify bilateral dialogue and coordination.
Why it matters. The phone call adds a new political dimension to what is becoming a fast-expanding strategic partnership. It follows a series of high-level engagements and signals shared priorities from energy to defense to global security.
Economic diplomacy in progress. Rao highlighted that Deputy PM Antonio Tajani’s recent visit to India, along with Minister Bernini and over 100 Italian companies, “imparts a new momentum and depth” to bilateral ties.
- Italian firms are not just eyeing the Indian market, but are “looking for deeper and long-term collaborations,” especially in clean energy, aerospace, and smart manufacturing.
- While a Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU would facilitate tariff reductions, she noted that business opportunities in India “are independent of an India-EU FTA.”
Strategic connectivity through IMEC. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a “geo-strategic and geo-economic plurilateral initiative” with strategic investments from founding members like India and Italy.
- “IMEC seeks to build resilient, inclusive, sustainable infrastructure,” improving trade logistics and cutting costs with Europe by up to 25%.
- Rao praised Italy’s engagement: “Minister Tajani announced he would host later this year a meeting of IMEC Ministers in Trieste.”
Defense cooperation takes center stage. Defense is “one of the key pillars” of the strategic partnership. During a visit to Rome, Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met top Italian firms to boost joint efforts.
- Rao noted Italy’s long-standing defense presence in India, and pointed to a favorable environment: 100% FDI allowed in defense, incentives for local production, and a B2B framework in place.
- She welcomed Italy’s naval engagement in the Indo-Pacific, which aligns with India’s growing maritime security focus — creating opportunities “for Italian companies with niche technologies.”
- “Our hope is to see Italian and Indian defense companies build long-term partnerships,” she said, citing co-production, innovation, and successful Indian defense startups as key drivers.
