India and Italy are expected to see stronger cooperation in the areas of talent exchange, innovation, and mobility in the coming years. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, which marks the final leg of his five-nation tour, Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Sarraju Rao said the visit will provide an important opportunity to discuss issues related to the welfare and mobility of the Indian community in Italy. She noted that the Migration and Mobility Agreement signed between the two countries in 2023 is already operational and is helping facilitate smoother movement between India and Italy. Ms Rao expressed optimism that the number of Indian students in Italy-currently around 5,000-along with academicians and researchers, is likely to increase in the coming years, reflecting growing educational and research collaboration.
Speaking about bilateral engagement, she identified trade, defence, mobility, maritime security, and port-related cooperation as key priority areas for discussions between the two sides. Ms Rao emphasized that the visit is expected to further strengthen India-Italy relations and open new avenues for strategic and people-to-people cooperation.
Ms Rao mentioned that the visit aims to deliver substantial outcomes in strengthening maritime security, resilient supply chains, trade partnerships, and energy security, with specific agreements expected to be announced.
Speaking about the Indian community in Italy, Ambassador Vani Sarraju Rao said the diaspora has made significant contributions across sectors, including dairy and agriculture. She added that issues concerning the mobility and welfare of the Indian community may also come up during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
