India and Italy have elevated their diplomatic relations to a special strategic partnership, with a commitment to increase bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. This development came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks aimed at strengthening cooperation amidst global conflicts and geopolitical shifts. During their discussions, both leaders voiced concerns about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, stressing the importance of de-escalation and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace. They also emphasized the significance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Modi’s visit to Rome marks the conclusion of his five-nation tour focused on enhancing India’s energy security and deepening cooperation in critical sectors, including defense, trade, and emerging technologies. The talks with Meloni also highlighted the anticipated India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement set to be signed later this year. Modi expressed enthusiasm about the upgraded partnership, citing the India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 as a foundational framework guiding their collaboration. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to boosting trade from the current €14 billion to €20 billion by 2029.
Meloni highlighted the importance of collaboration between Italy and India in promoting freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and establishing connections between this region and the Mediterranean through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi noted the consistent communication between India and Italy regarding the crises in Ukraine and West Asia, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as solutions. Meloni echoed the need for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine, while hoping for positive outcomes in resolving the Iran crisis through peace negotiations.
To ensure the effective implementation of their strategic initiatives, both countries agreed to create a mechanism led by their foreign ministers to review the joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 and provide strategic guidance for their partnership. The scope of collaboration extends across various fields, including trade, investment, defense, science and technology, innovation, space, energy, artificial intelligence, and critical technologies. Modi emphasized that technology and innovation are central to their partnership, highlighting potential cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy.
The two nations also agreed to improve the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, and to advance cooperation in skills development aligned with labor market demands. A joint declaration of intent was made to facilitate the mobility of nurses from India to Italy, further strengthening people-to-people ties. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish the India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups, research centers, and industries, and to enhance defense collaboration through co-development and co-production initiatives.