PM Modi and PM Meloni Announce India-Italy Strategic Plan, Focus on University Ties and STEM Education

Another highlight is the commitment to increase the mobility of students, researchers, and academics.

In a significant development, India and Italy have unveiled a comprehensive Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, with a pronounced focus on strengthening education and academic partnerships. The agreement was formalized during the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the unparalleled potential of their countries' strategic partnership.

One of the plan's core components is enhancing university collaborations, with a spotlight on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The two nations are committed to expanding research opportunities through scholarships, joint academic programs, and faculty exchanges. A major initiative outlined in the agreement is the establishment of the Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme. This program aims to leverage the academic and research expertise of both countries, fostering an environment where scientific innovation and start-ups can thrive.

The strategic plan also prioritizes involving academic institutions and industries in cutting-edge areas such as Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and the extraction and refining of critical minerals. By promoting technological value chain partnerships, the collaboration is expected to accelerate advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, digitalization, and telecom technologies. Furthermore, the agreement emphasizes supporting start-ups in domains such as fintech, edutech, healthcare, agritech, and green energy, enabling both countries to address modern challenges through innovative solutions.

To ensure that research and innovation are deeply integrated, the action plan includes enhancing collaborations between leading scientific organizations. Italy and India will align their national research priorities and facilitate partnerships in areas of mutual interest, also contributing to larger international frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The implementation of the Executive Programme for scientific and technological cooperation for 2025-2027 will see the co-funding of joint research and mobility-based projects, operationalized later this year.

Another highlight is the commitment to increase the mobility of students, researchers, and academics. By establishing agreements between the administrations responsible for higher education in both countries, the plan aims to create smoother pathways for knowledge exchange. This will be complemented by regular educational summits and academic fora, promoting a steady flow of ideas and expertise between Indian and Italian institutions.

Beyond academia, the strategic plan also outlines efforts to promote people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and tourism. It includes initiatives to deepen ties between universities and technical education institutes, while also fostering cultural collaborations such as film co-productions and heritage conservation projects. In acknowledging the vibrant Indian and Italian communities, the agreement underscores their role in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing mutual understanding.

This forward-looking plan builds upon a legacy of collaboration between India and Italy, enriching educational landscapes and creating a foundation for robust research and innovation. By focusing on interdisciplinary cooperation and future-ready education, the countries aim to develop a new generation of leaders and experts equipped to address global challenges.