Strengthening Cultural Ties Between Italy and India: A Literary Bridge from Pordenone to Jaipur
Pordenone, March 29, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening Indo-Italian relations through cultural diplomacy, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI) proudly hosted a key meeting at Confindustria Alto Adriatico in Pordenone, aimed at launching a collaboration between Fondazione Pordenonelegge.it—the organization behind one of Italy’s most acclaimed literary festivals—and one of India’s premier literary festivals.
The high-level delegation included Lavanya Kumar, Consul General of India in Milan; Luciano Pettoello Mantovani, Secretary General of ICCI; and ICCI Advisory Board Member Ash Gujral. They were received by Michelangelo Agrusti, President of Confindustria Alto Adriatico and Fondazione Pordenonelegge.it, along with the Foundation’s Director, Michela Zin. The discussions focused on laying the groundwork for a strategic cultural partnership between the Pordenonelegge Festival and India’s vibrant literary ecosystem, with a particular focus on Jaipur, home of the internationally renowned Jaipur Literature Festival.
Culture as a Catalyst for Diplomacy and Development
This initiative underscores ICCI’s belief that cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool for fostering mutual understanding and opening new avenues for economic, entrepreneurial, and intellectual exchange. Literature—by its very nature—transcends borders, forging connections that can lead to tangible cooperation across industries.
As Michelangelo Agrusti eloquently stated during the meeting:
“Culture is a driver of development, and cultural relations foster mutual exchange, strengthening ties at the economic and entrepreneurial levels.”
The collaboration under discussion envisions not only festival-level exchanges, but also long-term projects such as artist residencies, co-authored publications, literary panels, and joint author delegations, involving leading figures from both countries.
Building on Shared Values
India and Italy share a deep reverence for heritage, storytelling, and creativity—valuesthat are naturally reflected in their literary traditions. From Dante to Tagore, Calvino to Rushdie, the literary works of both countries offer a profound exploration of identity, history, and innovation. A partnership between Italian and Indian festivals represents a convergence of civilizations—both ancient and evolving—that have much to learn from one another.
This initiative is not just about literature—it is about people-to-people connections, new narratives, and soft power that can complement traditional diplomacy.
Media Recognition
The cultural significance and visionary scope of the meeting did not go unnoticed. Prominent media outlets have covered the story, recognizing it as a landmark moment in Indo-Italian cultural relations:
- Pordenonelegge Heads to India: A Partnership with the Jaipur Festival – Pordenone Today
- The Cultural Agreement Between Pordenonelegge and India – Il Gazzettino
These articles highlight the strategic potential of this cultural partnership and the role of organizations such as ICCI and Confindustria in bringing it to life.
A First Step on a Promising Journey
This meeting marks only the beginning of what promises to be a transformative partnership. ICCI will continue to work alongside institutional and cultural leaders in both countries to formalize this collaboration and integrate it into broader initiatives that promote economic, educational, and entrepreneurial cooperation.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to President Agrusti, Director Zin, and the entire Fondazione Pordenonelegge team for their vision and openness. Their commitment to cultural diplomacy paves the way for a stronger, more nuanced relationship between India and Italy—one in which business, culture, and shared values coexist and thrive.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the official launch of the partnership, exchange programs, and literary events connecting Italy and India, from Pordenone to Jaipur.
