In a significant diplomatic development, India and Italy have elevated their diplomatic ties to a special strategic partnership, with an ambitious goal to boost bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. This decision followed talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on enhancing cooperation amidst ongoing global conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties. Addressing the media, Modi expressed enthusiasm about the upgraded partnership, highlighting the strategic action plan for 2025-29 as a practical framework to strengthen bilateral relations.
During their discussions, both leaders conveyed their concerns regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, emphasizing the necessity for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace. They also advocated for the freedom of navigation and the reopening of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Modi’s visit to Rome marked the final stop of a five-nation tour aimed at securing India’s energy future and strengthening ties in crucial sectors such as defense, trade, and technology. The two leaders also expressed optimism about the upcoming India-European Union free trade agreement, set to be signed later this year.
Prime Minister Meloni stressed the importance of India and Italy working collaboratively to uphold freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and connecting this area with the Mediterranean through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, noting the continuous communication between India and Italy concerning crises in Ukraine and West Asia. Meloni added that a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine remains essential and expressed hope for positive outcomes in peace negotiations addressing the Iran crisis.
The discussions concluded with both nations agreeing to establish a mechanism led by their foreign ministers to review the strategic action plan and provide guidance for their special partnership. The leaders also pledged to expand cooperation in a variety of fields, including trade, defense, science and technology, space exploration, energy, artificial intelligence, and education. Modi highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas like AI and civil nuclear energy, announcing the establishment of the India-Italy Innovation Centre to link startups, research institutions, and industries from both countries.
Furthermore, the two countries committed to enhancing the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, and agreed to work together on skills development aligned with labor market needs. A joint declaration of intent was signed to facilitate the movement of Indian nurses to Italy, reflecting a broader commitment to deepening people-to-people ties alongside technological and industrial collaborations. Modi also noted the increasing cooperation between the defense industries and militaries of both nations, emphasizing the significance of their defense industrial roadmap for co-development and co-production initiatives.