Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, and Italian Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere co-chaired the 9th Round of India-Italy Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in New Delhi today. The MEA stated that the FOC provided an opportunity to review and discuss the entire range of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. It added that during the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 in sectors including trade and economy, technology, space, research, defense, and others. The Ministry further said that both sides agreed on the expeditious implementation of the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, in line with their joint commitment to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. The MEA also stated that both sides are working to hold the first Maritime Security Dialogue to enhance collaboration for safety, security, and growth across the maritime domain. On the occasion, they also discussed key developments in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and other global and regional issues of shared interest.