India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership with a shared goal to boost their trade volume to €20 billion by 2029. This decision came after discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which focused on enhancing collaboration amid global conflicts and geopolitical challenges. The talks, which took place during Modi’s visit to Rome, highlighted the importance of a rules-based international order, especially in the face of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Both leaders stressed the necessity of de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy to achieve enduring peace and ensure freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Rome marked the final stop of his five-nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s energy security and advancing cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, emerging technologies, and critical minerals. During their discussions, Modi and Meloni agreed to capitalize on the forthcoming India-European Union free trade agreement, which is set to be signed later this year. Modi expressed his satisfaction with the upgraded relationship, stating that the India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 provides a practical framework for future cooperation. Both leaders underscored the target of increasing bilateral trade from the current €14 billion to €20 billion by 2029.
Highlighting regional security concerns, Meloni emphasized the importance of Italy and India working together to promote freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. She also expressed hope for peace negotiations to address the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Iran. Indian Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving global tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. The two countries agreed to establish a mechanism, led by their foreign ministers, to oversee the joint strategic action plan and offer strategic guidance for their partnership. They also committed to expanding collaboration across various sectors, including trade, defense, science, technology, and space exploration.
Modi highlighted the potential for cooperation in innovative fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, and civil nuclear energy. He announced plans for the India-Italy Innovation Centre, which will connect startups, research centers, and industries from both nations. The defense relationship between India and Italy is also set to deepen, with both countries working on a defense industrial roadmap to facilitate co-development and co-production initiatives. Additionally, the two sides agreed to enhance the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM sectors, and to advance cooperation on skills development, including facilitating the mobility of nurses from India to Italy.
