India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership, with a mutual commitment to increase trade to €20 billion by 2029. This development came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held discussions aimed at reinforcing cooperation amidst global geopolitical challenges. Their talks also highlighted the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order against the backdrop of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, emphasizing the necessity for diplomacy and de-escalation to achieve enduring peace.
During Modi’s visit to Rome, which concluded a five-nation tour focused on energy security and cooperation in vital sectors such as defence, trade, and technology, the two leaders underscored the strategic significance of the India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement, anticipated to be finalized later this year. Modi expressed his enthusiasm about the upgraded partnership, noting the India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 as a key framework guiding their collaboration. The leaders reiterated their commitment to increasing trade from the existing €14 billion to €20 billion by 2029.
Prime Minister Meloni highlighted the importance of collaboration between Italy and India in promoting freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. She also stressed the strategic connection between this area and the Mediterranean through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Both leaders agreed on the need to resolve global crises through dialogue, with Meloni specifically calling for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and the continuation of peace talks addressing the Iran crisis.
The two countries have decided to set up a mechanism, led by their foreign ministers, to oversee the implementation of the joint strategic action plan and provide strategic direction for their partnership. Expanding collaboration in areas such as trade, defence, science, and technology is central to their discussions. Modi emphasized the potential of cooperation in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and civil nuclear energy, noting the establishment of the India-Italy Innovation Centre to facilitate connections between startups and research institutions in both nations.
Further agreements were made to enhance mobility for students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, and to develop skills in line with labor market demands. This includes facilitating the movement of nurses from India to Italy. Cooperation between defence industries and militaries of both countries is also set to increase, with a roadmap for co-development and co-production already in place, marking significant progress in their strategic partnership.