India and Italy Strengthen Defence, Maritime Collaboration

Why in the news?

India and Italy announced a Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29, focusing on defence cooperation, classified information exchange, and enhanced maritime collaboration during the G-20 summit in Brazil.

Key Agreements and Initiatives:

  • India and Italy will negotiate a defence industrial roadmap to enhance bilateral military cooperation.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is planned between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers and the Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • The countries agreed on the exchange and protection of classified information.
  • Focus areas include technology collaboration, co-production, and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.

India and Italy Strengthen Defence, Maritime Collaboration

Maritime Cooperation and Military Engagements:

  • Both nations emphasised increasing interoperability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting Italy’s growing strategic interest in the area.
  • In a significant maritime milestone, Indian and Italian navies conducted their first Carrier Strike Group (CSG) exercise off Goa, led by INS Vikramaditya, INS Visakhapatnam, ITS Cavour, and ITS Alpino.
  • Military-to-military visits between the armed forces of the two nations have steadily increased in recent years.

Discussions at the G-20 Summit

  • The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 was launched following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the G-20 summit in Brazil.
  • Talks covered defence, security, trade, technology, and cultural cooperation.
  • Both leaders agreed to enhance public-private dialogue and partnerships to strengthen bilateral relations.

About G20:

  • Established: 1999 as a group of finance ministers and central bank governors.
  • Elevated: Became a Heads of State/Government forum in 2008 to address the global financial crisis.
  • Nature: It is a forum, not a legislative body, with decisions influencing policies but without legal binding.

Members

  • Countries (19): Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK, and USA.
  • EU: Represents the European Union.
  • Special Invitees: Guest nations and organisations (e.g., UN, World Bank) participate in summits.

Aims/Objectives

  • Foster global economic stability and growth.
  • Promote sustainable development and address climate change.
  • Coordinate crisis responses for financial and health emergencies.
  • Enhance global collaboration on trade, innovation, and investment.
  • Represent advanced and emerging economies, including the Global South.

Achievements

  • 2008: Mitigated the global financial crisis.
  • 2015: Fostered consensus for the Paris Agreement on climate change.
  • 2020: Launched Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and pledged $5 trillion for pandemic recovery.
  • 2023: India emphasised digital public infrastructure to bridge the digital divide.

G20 Summit 2024:

  • Event Name: G20 Summit 2024
  • Theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”
  • Host Country: Brazil
  • Location: Museum of Modern Art (MAM), Rio de Janeiro
  • Dates: November 18–19, 2024
  • Key Topics: Social Inclusion, Reform of International Institutions, Energy Transitions
  • Brazil’s G20 Sherpa: Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio

Sources Referred:

PIB,The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times