Happening in Rome. On Wednesday, a high-level discussion in Rome highlighted how ties Italy and India are strengthening their ties.
- The event, hosted by Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), featured the Indian Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, IAI President Michele Valensise, a retired diplomat, and former Italian Ambassador to India, Vincenzo De Luca.
- Discussions confirmed the growing relevance of the India–Italy relationship, spanning economic, industrial, commercial, and strategic domains.
Decoding the news. In an era marked by fragmentation and systemic crises, India positions itself as a pragmatic power and a central voice of the Global South.
- For Europe, partnering with New Delhi means unlocking new opportunities for global projection, diversifying partnerships, and enhancing supply chain resilience.
- Italy’s priorities—from the Mattei Plan in Africa to maritime security and Indo-Mediterranean connectivity—are naturally aligned with India’s evolving role.
Economic ties. As Indian investments in Europe are growing, especially in machinery, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare, Italy is emerging as a potential hub for these investments.
- India is building its profile as a manufacturing alternative to China, offering Europe a path to greater strategic autonomy.
- Italy is well-positioned to serve as a key landing point for the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC), with Trieste connected to Central Europe and the Three Seas Initiative.
Technology and industry. There is room to scale up cooperation on innovation, clean energy, and dual-use technologies.
- Notably, the EU–India Trade and Technology Council is one of only two such platforms New Delhi has established — the other being with the United States.
Strategic alignment. India sees the Mattei Plan as a model for infrastructure and tech partnerships in Africa and as a counterweight to Chinese influence.
- Maritime security cooperation is intensifying: like Italy, India is operationally active in protecting the critical sea lanes of the western Indian Ocean — from the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea and the Gulf.
- This includes converging efforts in naval operations, such as Aspides, as well as bilateral and multilateral exercises.
- Both sides share concerns over supply chain security, counter-terrorism, and Indo-Pacific stability.
What we’re watching. The strength of this partnership will depend on the ability to consolidate reliable political and operational frameworks — including strategic dialogues, such as the one hosted by IAI.
- In a multipolar world, Italy can enhance its global position by supporting India’s rise as a stabilising power and systemic alternative across Eurasia.
- Much will also depend on how India can translate its economic power into strategic engagement with the EU — addressing common challenges in a common way — and on how both sides can act as stabilisers in the broader security architecture of the Indo-Mediterranean.
