Meeting at the Embassy of India: diplomacy, universities and women’s leadership
A meeting of high institutional value in the heart of Rome
A particularly important institutional meeting was held at theEmbassy of the Republic of India in Rome on the occasion of the official handover of the Proceedings of the International Conference “Women and Diplomacy: Voices from the World,” held on October 2, 2025 at LUMSA University.
The Indian diplomatic headquarters, a point of reference for dialogue between India, Italy and Europe, welcomed the delegation in an atmosphere of deep cordiality and mutual esteem, confirming the embassy’s central role as a place of confrontation, multilateral cooperation and promotion of shared values.
The handing over of the Acts was not merely a formal gesture, but a symbolic moment of continuity between academia, youth associations and international diplomacy.
The Embassy of India: a strategic garrison of cooperation
The Embassy of India in Rome plays a strategic role in strengthening bilateral relations between Italy and India by promoting:
- political and institutional cooperation
- economic and trade exchanges
- cultural and scientific dialogue
- Collaboration within the multilateral framework of the United Nations
In a global context in which India is a major emerging power and a key player in international fora-from the G20 to food security to energy transition-the diplomatic presence in Rome takes on even more significance, not least because of its connection with UN Agencies based in the capital.
H.E. Vani Rao: experience, vision and international leadership
H.E. Vani Rao, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of Italy and the Republic of San Marino, is also Permanent Representative to FAO, WFP and IFAD, the three Rome-based United Nations Agencies.
A career diplomat since 1994, with over 30 years of service, she has held senior positions in the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in numerous international fora. Her experience spans Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, with a track record marked by strategic competence, discipline and deep dedication to public service.
In her written contribution published in the Proceedings of the Conference, Ambassador Rao offers an intense and personal reflection on the path of women in diplomacy, emphasizing:
- The importance of continued study and preparation
- The ability to balance professional and family responsibilities
- The value of institutional integrity and credibility
- The need for inclusive and competent leadership
His testimony is a concrete example of how modern diplomacy requires not only technical skills, but also balance, vision and resilience.
LUISS and Sapienza: the protagonism of the new generations
The initiative saw the direct involvement of leading Roman universities, confirming the central role of universities in training the future international ruling class.
They participated:
- LUSDA – LUISS Students Diplomatic Association (LUISS Guido Carli)
- INA – International Networking Association (Sapienza University of Rome)
- IRIS – International Relations, Innovation and Sustainability (Sapienza University of Rome)
- European Youth Network
The presence of LUISS and Sapienza associations gave additional value to the meeting, creating a concrete bridge between institutional diplomacy and academic education.
The Embassy-university dialogue represents an investment in the future: training young people who are aware of global dynamics means strengthening the quality of international debate and promoting a culture of cooperation.
Welcome Association Italy’s statement
At the meeting, Carlo Palumbo, Deputy Nazioanle Secretary of Welcome Association Italy, said:
“It is a source of deep pride for us to be welcomed at the Embassy of the Republic of India, a diplomatic seat of the highest prestige that represents a genuine bridge between civilizations and institutions. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to H.E. Ambassador Vani Rao for the extraordinarily valuable contribution included in the Proceedings of the Conference and for the vision she daily promotes in strengthening relations between India, Italy and Europe. Her leadership embodies a modern, authoritative and deeply humane diplomacy capable of inspiring new generations.”
Diplomacy, universities and cooperation: a shared vision
The delivery of the Proceedings consolidates a path of civic and academic diplomacy aimed at:
- strengthen intercultural dialogue
- promote multilateralism
- enhancing women’s leadership
- Actively involve students and young professionals
In an era marked by profound geopolitical transformations, strengthening ties between India and Europe also comes through cultural and academic initiatives capable of generating awareness and strategic vision.
The meeting at the Embassy of India was not just a celebratory moment, but the start of a path of collaboration destined to develop over time, under the sign of mutual respect, institutional excellence and shared commitment to a more stable and inclusive international order.
