Italy’s Strategic Bet on India: A Belated Indo-Pacific Turn
Italy is significantly deepening its political, economic, and security ties with India, marking a strategic recalibration toward the Indo-Pacific region. This shift was highlighted by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto’s recent visit to New Delhi, where he and his counterpart Rajnath Singh agreed on a new bilateral military cooperation plan for 2026–2027. The agreement focuses on expanded joint activities, training exchanges, and industrial collaboration, particularly in the naval sector with firms like Fincantieri. This defense partnership complements broader diplomatic efforts initiated by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and sustained dialogue between Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni and Narendra Modi, who has accepted an invitation to visit Italy in 2026. Rome views India as a crucial economic partner and strategic counterweight to China, aiming to diversify beyond traditional Euro-Atlantic frameworks. While the engagement aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative and shared interests in maritime security, challenges remain. Bilateral trade is currently below potential due to regulatory barriers, and Italy’s Indo-Pacific strategy still lacks the institutional depth seen in other European nations like France or Germany.
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