India, Italy Upgrade Ties During Modi-Meloni Talks
Leaders announce Special Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors
GG News Bureau
Rome, 20th May: Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on Wednesday announced a new “Special Strategic Partnership” with Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, following bilateral talks in Rome.
Addressing a joint press statement with Meloni, Prime Minister Modi said India and Italy are entering a new phase of cooperation driven by innovation, democratic values and long-term strategic alignment.
Modi said the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29 would provide a practical and futuristic framework for strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
The Prime Minister noted that bilateral trade between India and Italy is rapidly progressing towards the target of 20 billion euros.
He said more than 800 Italian companies are actively participating in India’s growth story and highlighted growing enthusiasm among business leaders of both countries.
“India is known for scale, talent and affordable innovation, while Italy is globally recognised for design and precision,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister added that both countries would work on the principle of “Design and Develop in India and Italy, and Deliver for the World.”
He said cooperation would expand across sectors including fintech, logistics, mobility, manufacturing, fashion and leather industries.
Modi also thanked Italy for supporting the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and stressed the need for its early implementation.
The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, civil nuclear energy, space research and innovation.
Modi said India and Italy are also working to establish an India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups, research institutions and industries.
On defence and security cooperation, the Prime Minister said growing collaboration between the armed forces and defence industries of both countries reflects deep mutual trust.
He noted that the India-Italy Defence Industrial Roadmap would strengthen co-development and co-production initiatives.
As maritime nations, India and Italy also agreed to expand cooperation in shipping, ports modernisation, logistics and blue economy initiatives.
The two leaders further discussed joint development projects in African countries and agreed to deepen cooperation in third-country partnerships.
Prime Minister Modi said both nations are united in their stand against terrorism and stressed the importance of breaking terror financing networks globally.
Referring to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, he reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable solutions to global tensions.
Modi also highlighted growing cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries, noting increasing interest in yoga, Ayurveda and Indian culture in Italy.
He announced that India and Italy would celebrate a “Year of Culture” next year to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Italian government for supporting the Indian community living in Italy and acknowledged the positive impact of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed three years ago.
