At the 21st edition of IMTEX 2026, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and UCIMU, in association with the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), highlighted expanding industrial collaboration between Italy and India, with a focus on advanced manufacturing and machine tool technologies. Held from 21 to 25 January, IMTEX 2026 served as a major international platform bringing together public institutions, machine tool manufacturers, metalworking companies and key stakeholders across the industrial value chain.
The Italian Pavilion (Hall 5, Stand C130) featured four Italian companies presenting metal forming machine tool solutions, showcasing strengths in automation, precision engineering and digitally enabled manufacturing. With India seeing rising capital investment in manufacturing and growing demand for high-accuracy and automated systems, the pavilion served as a key link between Indian buyers and Italian suppliers, supported by the OpportunItaly business acceleration programme.
The showcase came at a time when Indian manufacturers—especially in automotive, aerospace, electronics and heavy engineering—are stepping up investments aimed at improving productivity, achieving tighter tolerances and adopting technology-intensive production processes. Ministry of Commerce data shows that Italy was India’s second-largest supplier of metal forming machine tools in 2025, with exports valued at EUR 85 million and a 10.14% market share, reflecting the deepening role of Italian firms in India’s industrial supply ecosystem.
Industry participants noted that the performance mirrors a growing alignment between India’s manufacturing priorities and Italy’s strengths in advanced engineering, customised machinery and automation-led production, particularly as companies expand capacity without compromising on quality and efficiency.
Antonietta Baccanari, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency (New Delhi), said IMTEX has become a vital channel for technology-driven engagement between the two countries. She added that it helps Indian manufacturers directly evaluate Italian capabilities in precision engineering, while also offering Italian companies a strong starting point for growth in India through OpportunItaly’s support services such as business matchmaking, go-to-market strategy, lead generation and communication assistance.
This year’s participation was closely linked to OpportunItaly, a business acceleration programme backed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency, aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships between overseas buyers and Italian manufacturers. Launched in May 2025, OpportunItaly operates through a dedicated digital platform that connects international buyers, distributors and entrepreneurs with Italian suppliers using business matchmaking tools and sector-focused content covering key Made in Italy industries.
The programme is designed as a two-year initiative across 20 international markets and spans 10 strategic sectors, including mechanics and automation, automotive and motorcycling, aerospace and security, sustainable infrastructure and energy, design and furniture, agri-food, fashion and luxury, health and wellness, nautical industries, and culture and entertainment. Officials involved said the effort is intended to go beyond trade fair visibility by creating an ongoing channel for engagement, ensuring that partnerships formed at events such as IMTEX continue through follow-up meetings, qualified leads and continuous digital interaction.
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), a government body focused on supporting Italian business expansion overseas and encouraging foreign investment into Italy, has played a key role in promoting the strength of “Made in Italy” in India and globally. Established in India in 1969, ITA operates through offices in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, supporting Italian SMEs through information services, consulting, promotion and training programmes.