For the 21st edition of IMTEX 2026 the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and UCIMU, in collaboration with the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA), presented Italian manufacturing capabilities to Indian industry. The fair ran from 21 to 25 January in Bengaluru and brought together public institutions, machine tool manufacturers, metal fabricators and supply chain stakeholders. The Italian presence aimed to promote technology-led engagement and commercial ties. The Italian Pavilion hosted four Italian companies demonstrating metal-forming machine tools with an emphasis on automation, precision engineering and digitally enabled production. With capital expenditure rising in India's manufacturing sector, the pavilion operated under the OpportunItaly business acceleration programme to facilitate buyer–supplier matching and go-to-market support for Italian firms. The platform sought to link Indian buyers seeking high-precision systems with Italian suppliers of customised machinery. The timing coincided with sustained investment by Indian manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, electronics and heavy engineering that are prioritising productivity gains and tighter tolerances. Official data from the Ministry of Commerce indicated that Italy was India's second-largest supplier of metal-forming machine tools in 2025, with exports valued at EUR 85 mn and a market share of 10.14 per cent. Industry participants said this trend reflects a convergence between India's manufacturing priorities and Italy's strengths in advanced engineering. OpportunItaly, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the ITA, was launched in May 2025 and operates through a dedicated digital platform to enable business matching and sector-specific engagement. The programme runs over a two-year period 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, the nautical industry and culture and entertainment. The ITA, established in India in 1969 with offices in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, provides assistance to Italian small and medium-sized enterprises to support ongoing commercial links.