IMEC Blueprint Gains Momentum in Italy-India Talks on Defence and AI

Italy and India are accelerating the rollout of the India‑Middle‑East‑Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as part of a broader strategic partnership that now includes defence cooperation and artificial intelligence research.

Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani told his Indian counterpart that the corridor will serve as a logistics backbone for high‑tech industries, enabling faster movement of AI‑driven equipment and defence components across continents. He pointed to joint projects on satellite communication and secure navigation as early milestones.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar echoed the sentiment, adding that the Gulf’s current situation demands a resilient trade network. He also referenced the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a factor that underscores the need for diversified supply chains.

Both officials referenced the EU‑India free trade deal signed earlier this year, noting that IMEC could help both parties meet the ambitious €20 billion trade target slated for 2029. They agreed to set up a bilateral task force to oversee the corridor’s implementation, covering everything from customs harmonisation to infrastructure funding.

The meeting closed with a pledge to deepen collaboration on cybersecurity, renewable energy and capacity‑building programmes for defence personnel, signalling a multi‑layered partnership beyond mere trade.