A high-level visit to India by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani, has reinforced the strategic partnership between the two nations.
During his April 11-12, 2025, visit, Mr. Tajani was accompanied by Minister of University and Research, H.E. Ms. Anna Maria Bernini, and a large delegation of businesses, leading universities, and research institutions. His counterparts included External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister (CIM), and Hon'ble President of India.
The visit saw several key engagements, including delegation-level talks between Mr. Tajani and Dr. Jaishankar, which reviewed the growing bilateral cooperation under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29. The Ministers expressed satisfaction at regular high-level interactions and exchanges, highlighting the vast potential of cooperation in areas such as AI, cyber, telecom, digital technologies, renewable energy, biofuels, education, academic collaborations, scientific research, and mobility of youth and professionals.
The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to elevating their bilateral strategic partnership and ensuring concrete outcomes from the JSAP. They also discussed global and regional developments of mutual interest, with Dr. Jaishankar welcoming Italy's continued focus on the Indo-Pacific.
The visit witnessed several notable events, including the co-chairing of the inaugural India-Italy Business, Science and Tech Forum by EAM, CIM, DPM Tajani, and Minister Bernini. The forum facilitated tech collaborations, innovation, academic partnerships, co-production, and joint business ventures, with over 100 Italian companies participating alongside Indian counterparts from four key sectors.
An Education, Science and Tech, Innovation Forum was also organized, exploring research and innovation, and higher education collaborations. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, GOI, and Ministry of University and Research, Italy, for cooperation in scientific research.
The visit provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, as Mr. Tajani and his delegation visited the Caravaggio painting at the Italian Cultural Centre, enriching the strong ties between the two countries.
India-Italy bilateral relations are gaining diversity and depth, with regular leaders' level engagement and ministerial dialogues. The visit by DPM Tajani was instrumental in taking forward the strategic partnership and diversifying bilateral cooperation across domains, as per JSAP 2025-29.