India and Italy have agreed to boost cooperation in sectors including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy transition, migration, and mobility, according to an official statement released Friday. These topics were discussed during meetings between India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Brescia, known as Italy’s manufacturing hub.

The commerce ministry said both countries agreed to prioritize collaboration in key and emerging areas such as Industry 4.0, aerospace, energy transition, and sustainable mobility. They also emphasized joint efforts in skill development, digital transformation, migration, mobility, and global connectivity projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

During the 22nd India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) session, co-chaired by the two leaders, several tangible outcomes were reached. These include enhanced cooperation in agriculture and food processing, and the formation of Joint Working Groups for the automobile and space sectors. Both nations identified opportunities in sustainable agricultural value chains, agri-machinery, food packaging technology, and renewable energy. They also agreed to collaborate on green hydrogen and biofuels, and to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals between India and Italy.

A strong Indian business delegation of nearly 90 company leaders accompanied Minister Goyal on the visit. The group toured Italian industries, held multiple meetings with local firms, and Goyal engaged in one-on-one discussions with Italian corporate leaders, welcoming their plans to expand operations, manufacturing, or establish a presence in India.