India, Italy Deepen Aerospace Ties as Supply Chains Shift

• India and Italy are working together in aerospace and defence
• Both nations are collaborating on satellites, AI, and space technology
• They are focusing on rules, safety, and secure partnerships

India and Italy are enhancing collaboration in the areas of aerospace and defence to align industrial capabilities, increase market access, and develop collaborations in satellite technologies, propulsion systems and downstream space applications. This growth was highlighted on 26 September 2025 in New Delhi, at the India–Italy Aerospace Networking Session, part of the Italy–India Aerospace Roadshow.

Both nations are strengthening aerospace and defense cooperation through a technology partnership, enhancing the aerospace industry and fostering international collaboration within the global supply chain.

Attendees included government officials, industry professionals, and leading companies from both countries, including Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space Italia, Zoppas Industries, Vanzetti Engineering, Tata Advanced Systems, Invest India, and CYRAN AI Solutions. Eliana Zappalà, Deputy Trade Commissioner, referred to complementary industrial strengths: Italy’s engineering capability and cluster-based industrial model and India’s scale, digital capabilities and pool of talent.

The first session, Best Practices of Aerospace Clusters and Opportunities in the Indian Market, emphasized the international nature of supply chain linkages. Executives from Italy provided information on specialized, SME-driven industrial clusters, which they consider to be analogous to India's aerospace zones as well as government relations programs such as Make in India and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy.

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The second session, Earth Observation and Data-Driven Applications, covered potential collaboration on satellite imaging, payload development, and AI-driven analysis of Earth observation data. Indian start-ups are developing AI applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, etc., while Italy has expertise in optical- and radar-based imaging that can complement India's digital ecosystem, while also creating joint export avenues.

The last session focused on procurement processes, regulatory requirements, and data protection requirements, emphasizing the need for secure, transparent, and compliant partnerships, especially as India opens its space sector to private companies.

Industry executives stated this collaboration reaches into sectors beyond manufacturing and encompasses digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. Italian companies look at India not only as a manufacturing base, but also as a market for next-generation aerospace solutions. India, in turn, will access niche technologies and design practices, and will shift talking about design in the context of aerospace.

As one Italian delegate summarized, "India is no longer just a buyer or supplier. It is becoming a co-creator in global aerospace innovation".