9th India–Italy Foreign Office Consultations: Key Takeaways from New Delhi

India and Italy held their 9th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on 20 March 2026, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral ties and agreeing to advance cooperation across trade, technology, security and mobility, while also aligning on regional and global issues of shared interest.

The details of the consultations are based on the official press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, titled “9th India-Italy Foreign Office Consultations (March 20, 2026)” and published on the MEA website on 20 March 2026.

Strengthening ties between India and Italy through strategic cooperation in defense, technology, trade, and sustainability under the JSAP 2025–2029 framework.

Senior officials lead the dialogue

The Indian side was led by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, and the Italian side by Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director General for Globalisation and Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.The talks took place against the backdrop of recent high-level meetings, including interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, and between External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Delhi in December 2025.

Reviewing bilateral cooperation under JSAP 2025–29

The consultations reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and noted progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29, particularly in trade and economy, technology, space, research and innovation, defence and security, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, education and people-to-people ties.Both sides reiterated their intent to ensure timely implementation of the JSAP through regular institutional mechanisms in areas such as trade and investment, defence, and science and technology.

India and Italy deepen strategic ties through cooperation in security, trade, and mobility under a forward-looking roadmap.

Security, counter-terrorism and maritime issues

India and Italy agreed on the expeditious implementation of the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, reaffirming their joint commitment to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner.They are also working towards holding the first Maritime Security Dialogue to enhance collaboration for safety, security and growth across the maritime domain.

India–EU dimension and next steps

The two sides welcomed the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership and the Comprehensive Framework on Cooperation on Mobility, and expressed hope for the early signing and implementation of the FTA.

They also discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia and other regional and global issues, and agreed to deepen collaboration in skilling and mobility, including in the healthcare sector, within the framework of the Migration and Mobility Agreement. The next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be held in Italy on mutually convenient dates.