India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relationship to a special strategic partnership, aiming to boost trade between the two nations to €20 billion by 2029. This development was announced following discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met to enhance cooperation against a backdrop of global conflicts and geopolitical challenges. Their talks underscored a shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and addressing tensions in regions such as Ukraine and West Asia, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and de-escalation for peace. Both leaders stressed the significance of maintaining freedom of navigation, particularly through strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Rome marked the conclusion of his five-nation tour focused on improving India’s energy security and fostering collaborations in vital sectors, including defense, security, trade, and emerging technologies. During their meetings, Modi and Meloni agreed to leverage the forthcoming India-European Union free trade agreement as a foundation to enhance economic ties. Modi expressed enthusiasm about advancing relations, noting that the joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 offers a forward-looking framework for partnership. Both leaders expressed their commitment to increasing trade from its current €14 billion to a targeted €20 billion by 2029.
Meloni highlighted the importance of Italy and India collaborating to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and connecting this region to the Mediterranean via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi reiterated India’s position on resolving international crises through dialogue, particularly in Ukraine and West Asia. Meloni echoed this sentiment, advocating for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and hopeful resolutions to issues involving Iran. A new mechanism led by the countries’ foreign ministers will oversee the implementation of the strategic action plan, providing strategic direction for their enhanced partnership.
The discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in various fields such as trade, defense, science, technology, space, energy, artificial intelligence, and education. Modi underscored the role of technology and innovation as key drivers of the India-Italy partnership, highlighting the collaboration potential in areas like AI, quantum technologies, and civil nuclear energy. The establishment of the India-Italy Innovation Centre aims to foster connections between startups, research centers, and industries in both countries. Additionally, there is a growing defense collaboration, with an industrial roadmap facilitating co-development and co-production efforts.
Both countries agreed to boost the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, especially in STEM fields, and to enhance cooperation on skill development to meet labor market demands. A joint declaration of intent was also made to facilitate the movement of nurses from India to Italy, further strengthening the people-to-people ties between the two nations.