India and Italy announced a major upgrade in bilateral relations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreeing to elevate ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” during high-level talks in Rome.
Addressing a joint media briefing after the meeting, PM Modi said, “We deliberated extensively on enhancing India-Italy ties,” highlighting the growing strategic understanding between the two countries across trade, technology, defence and global cooperation.
The announcement came during Modi’s visit to Italy as part of the concluding leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. The two leaders reviewed progress under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 and discussed ways to deepen long-term collaboration in emerging sectors.
“A New Chapter” in India-Italy Cooperation
Officials from both countries said the upgraded partnership would focus on strengthening cooperation in advanced technologies, connectivity, clean energy, defence manufacturing and innovation-driven industries.
During the talks, both sides explored collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, nuclear energy and space research, reflecting a shared push toward future-focused economic partnerships.
Before meeting Meloni, PM Modi also held discussions with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on expanding diplomatic, cultural and economic engagement between the two nations.
IMEC Corridor Takes Centre Stage
A major focus of the Rome discussions was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which is expected to play a key role in boosting connectivity between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The two countries reaffirmed support for the ambitious trade and infrastructure initiative, with PM Modi describing connectivity and economic integration as central pillars of future India-Europe cooperation.
Diplomatic sources indicated that both New Delhi and Rome see IMEC as a strategic opportunity to strengthen supply chains and enhance global trade access.
Modi and Meloni’s Rome Meeting Draws Attention
The Rome visit also highlighted the increasingly warm rapport between Modi and Meloni, whose interactions have frequently attracted international attention in recent years.
Soon after arriving in Rome, PM Modi attended a dinner hosted by Meloni before the two leaders visited the historic Colosseum together. The informal engagement reflected the growing personal chemistry between the leaders alongside expanding diplomatic ties.
Modi was also accorded ceremonial honours during his official engagements in the Italian capital, underlining the significance attached to the visit.
India and Italy Set Ambitious Trade Goal
Economic ties between the two countries have witnessed steady growth in recent years. Bilateral trade reached €14.25 billion in 2025, with both governments now aiming to raise annual trade volumes to €20 billion by 2029.
India exported goods worth €8.55 billion to Italy last year, while Italian exports to India stood at €5.70 billion. Italy currently ranks among India’s leading trading partners within the European Union.
Rome has also identified India as a priority partner in its international trade strategy, especially as both nations look to expand investment and industrial cooperation.
Indian Diaspora Strengthens Bilateral Ties
People-to-people connections continue to play an important role in India-Italy relations. Italy is home to nearly 187,000 Indians, making it one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in Europe.
More than 5,000 Indian students are currently studying in Italian universities, contributing to stronger educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership is being viewed as a significant diplomatic milestone, signalling closer political trust and expanding cooperation between New Delhi and Rome in the years ahead.
