Pratik Bijlani –
India and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across maritime, economic, technological, and strategic sectors, with a renewed focus on advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping global trade and connectivity networks.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rome, discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the growing strategic convergence between the two countries and their shared ambition to strengthen resilient global supply chains and maritime connectivity. In a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed their support for the development of IMEC, recognising its potential to significantly enhance trade flows, logistics efficiency, digital integration, and economic cooperation between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Prime Minister Meloni described IMEC as a major connectivity and economic corridor capable of strengthening trade, investment, and supply-chain resilience, while emphasizing that improved interconnectivity remains a key strategic priority for both nations. The leaders also encouraged the first IMEC Ministerial Meeting to take concrete steps towards advancing the project in 2026.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Transport and Ports, marking a significant step in bilateral maritime cooperation. The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration in port development, maritime logistics, shipping connectivity, sustainable transport systems, and maritime infrastructure modernization. To facilitate implementation, India and Italy also agreed to establish a Joint Working Group that will identify priority projects and accelerate institutional cooperation in the maritime sector.
Prime Minister Modi noted that India and Italy’s relationship has expanded significantly across trade, technology, space, and innovation, while both sides also explored future collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, clean energy, critical minerals, space technology, and civil nuclear cooperation. The discussions reinforced the shared vision of both countries to build stronger, diversified, and future-ready connectivity corridors capable of supporting evolving global trade dynamics and economic growth.
Marex Media