New Delhi: India and Italy welcomed progress in India’s partnership with the EU, including movement on the proposed Free Trade Agreement, security and defence cooperation, and mobility frameworks, during the 9th Foreign Office Consultations held on Friday.
Key regional developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia were also discussed as part of broader strategic exchanges.
The consultations provided a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the steady progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-29), the External Affairs Ministry said in a release.
Cooperation has been expanding across sectors such as trade and economy, technology, space, research and innovation, defence and security, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, education, and people-to-people ties.
Both countries agreed to expedite the implementation of the India-Italy joint initiative to counter terrorist financing, reaffirming their shared commitment to tackling terrorism in a sustained and coordinated manner.
They also discussed advancing cooperation in the maritime domain, including plans to hold the first Maritime Security Dialogue aimed at strengthening safety, security, and growth in shared waters.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of continued high-level engagement between the two nations. Recent interactions include discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as talks between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
The Indian delegation at the consultations was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Italian side was headed by Nicoletta Bombardiere from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Both sides also emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration in skilling and mobility, particularly in the healthcare sector, within the framework of the Migration and Mobility Agreement.
They noted that India-Italy ties continue to grow through regular institutional dialogue, ministerial engagement, and increasing participation from the private sector.
Reaffirming their commitment to further deepen the strategic partnership, the two countries agreed to maintain momentum through regular consultations and sectoral dialogues. The next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be held in Italy on mutually convenient dates.
