India and Italy are intensifying their maritime collaboration through a new strategic partnership aimed at enhancing trade, defence, and the blue economy. Central to this initiative is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which will connect Italian and Indian ports in the Western Indian Ocean. This initiative, known as the ‘Cotton Route,’ is designed to serve as a crucial maritime link, with Italy positioning itself as India’s gateway to Europe.
During recent high-level visits to New Delhi and Mumbai, Italian policymakers, including ministers, senators, and defence officials, met with their Indian counterparts to discuss this partnership. The visits follow the Joint Action Plan adopted by both countries during the G20 summit in Brazil, where Prime Ministers of India and Italy met in November. These discussions aim to create a seamless connection between Indian ports and Italy’s Mediterranean hubs, fostering stronger economic ties and bolstering global trade routes. At the heart of this maritime cooperation is the shared commitment to securing and expanding trade routes, enhancing defence capabilities, and exploring blue economy opportunities. Italy is particularly interested in developing a space cooperation framework with India, with plans to open a dedicated section in the Italian consulate in Bangalore. Moreover, Italy aims to partner with India in the field of nuclear energy, particularly focusing on the next generation of nuclear power systems.
A recent ‘Blue and Space Economy’ conference held in Mumbai at Villaggio Italia, part of the Vespucci World Tour, underscored these ambitions. Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, who attended the event, highlighted Italy’s pioneering space exploration achievements and emphasized the potential for collaboration with India in this sector. Francesco Talo, former diplomatic adviser to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, noted that both India and Italy, as peninsular nations, naturally align to create synergies in safeguarding freedom of navigation and fostering trade. The partnership aims to connect key ports such as Trieste and Venice with Indian hubs, while expanding cooperation to include Slovenia and Croatia, ultimately reinforcing the India-Mediterranean trade route. This burgeoning maritime collaboration is a clear testament to the growing ties between India and Italy, with both nations keen to create lasting economic and strategic benefits for their future.
