Italy is strengthening… its international footprint, balancing its commitments in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean while expanding its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
- The government’s latest resolution on international missions for 2025 highlights a growing “Go East” approach, reinforcing security, stability, and cooperation with key strategic partners.
Why it matters. The Indo-Pacific is emerging as the world’s economic and geopolitical centre of gravity.
- However, security threats, political instability, and environmental risks shape an increasingly volatile landscape.
- Italy views the region as crucial due to its strategic maritime routes, the growing US-China rivalry, concerns over democratic backsliding (e.g., Myanmar), nuclear threats from North Korea, and escalating tensions in the South and East China Seas.
A stronger presence. Recognising these dynamics, Italy has boosted its regional naval and aerial operations, actively participating in key multinational exercises such as Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, and Exercise Pitch Black over Australia’s top-end.
- The Italian Navy’s Indo-Pacific Jump 2024 deployment includes the aircraft carrier Nave Cavour alongside other key assets.
- Italy’s offshore patrol vessel Montecuccoli has been deployed for surveillance operations near North Korea.
- The historic sailing ship Nave Vespucci is undertaking a world tour to showcase Italy’s naval legacy and strengthen diplomatic ties.
Aligning with the EU. Italy is fully committed to the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, introduced in 2021.
- The strategy, structured around seven key pillars, prioritises security and defence while promoting economic and political cooperation.
- Italy has integrated this approach into its national strategic framework, published in February 2022.
Deepening regional partnerships. A recent report by the Italian government on international missions and development cooperation, reviewed by Decode39, underscores Rome’s increasing engagement with regional organisations, including:
- Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) – where Italy has held dialogue partner status since 2007 and 2019, respectively.
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) – where Italy became a development partner in 2020.
In collaboration with… ASEAN and its member states, Italy has expanded financial and project-based initiatives. The report focuses on key issues.
- Security and governance – Counterterrorism, transnational crime, and cyber resilience.
- Peace and sustainability – Climate change mitigation, cultural heritage protection, and legal assistance.
- Maritime security – Anti-piracy, blue economy initiatives, and aerospace cooperation.
Strategic bilateral relations. The analysis highlights Italy’s strengthening ties with key Indo-Pacific democracies.
- Japan – Strategic Partnership (January 2023).
- India – Indo-Mediterranean cooperation, Strategic Partnership (March 2023).
- South Korea and Australia.
What’s next. With the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy relying on active engagement from member states and Italy having already initiated its approach, the report affirms that Rome intends to maintain its growing role in the region, focusing on security, stability, and strategic alliances.
