Why it matters: Italy is stepping up its role in global AI governance and industrial cooperation, using high-level forums to align with partners like India on standards, innovation and supply chains.
The trip: Industry Minister Adolfo Urso will travel to New Delhi after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting to represent Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the AI Impact Summit on Feb. 19.
What he’ll do:
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- Join the inaugural session alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Peak at a high-level ministerial discussion on ethical, secure and sustainable AI.
- Hold bilateral talks with Indian officials, including IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- The visit will also include a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside outreach to Italian companies and initiatives showcased at the summit.
The context: Rome and New Delhi have been strengthening their strategic partnership, with technology and industrial cooperation emerging as central pillars.
On the agenda:
- Promoting AI as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.
- Coordinating approaches on safety, reliability and resilience of AI systems.
- Expanding scientific research and real-world economic applications.
Zoom in: Urso will visit the AI Impact Expo to meet Italian companies and startups at the Italy Pavilion, showcasing the country’s tech ecosystem abroad.
- He will stop at the AI Hub for Sustainable Development pavilion — a program launched during Italy’s G7 presidency to support industrial and technological growth in Africa through responsible AI.
Between the lines: Italy is positioning itself as a bridge between advanced economies and emerging markets on AI, tying innovation diplomacy to its broader outreach in the Indo-Mediterranean and Africa.
The big picture: Rome’s participation — following similar summits in London, Paris and Seoul — underscores its ambition to shape global AI rules while balancing competitiveness with safeguards.
What’s next: The visit could pave the way for deeper Italy-India cooperation on digital infrastructure, industrial policy and talent development in the AI sector.
