Strengthening Cultural Ties Between Italy and India: A Literary Bridge from Pordenone to Jaipur
Pordenone, March 29, 2025 – In a significant step toward reinforcing Indo-Italian relations through the lens of cultural diplomacy, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI) proudly led a key meeting at Confindustria Alto Adriatico in Pordenone, aimed at initiating a collaboration between Fondazione Pordenonelegge.it, the institution behind one of Italy’s most acclaimed literary festivals, and one of India’s premier literature 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, particularly with an eye toward 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 instrument in fostering mutual understanding and opening new channels for economic, entrepreneurial, and intellectual exchange. Literature—by its very nature—transcends borders, weaving connections that can evolve into tangible cooperation across industries.
As Michelangelo Agrusti eloquently stated during the meeting:
“Culture is a driver of development, and cultural relations fuel mutual exchange, strengthening ties at economic and entrepreneurial levels.”
The collaboration under discussion envisions not only festival-level exchanges, but also long-term projects such as artistic residencies, co-authored publications, literary panels, and joint author delegations, involving leading voices from both countries.
Building on Shared Values
India and Italy share a deep reverence for heritage, storytelling, and creativity—values that are naturally reflected in their literary traditions. From Dante to Tagore, Calvino to Rushdie, the literary output of both countries offers a profound exploration of identity, history, and innovation. A partnership between Italian and Indian festivals represents a convergence of civilizations, both ancient and evolving, with 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 importance 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 verso l’India: un gemellaggio con il festival di Jaipur – Pordenone Today
- Il Patto della Cultura tra Pordenonelegge e l’India – Il Gazzettino
These articles highlight the strategic potential of this cultural tie-up and the role of institutions such as ICCI and Confindustria in bringing it to life.
A First Step in 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 extend 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 Indo-Italian relationship—one where business, culture, and shared values coexist and thrive.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on the official partnership launch, exchange programs, and literary events connecting Italy and India, from Pordenone to Jaipur.
