India and Italy have elevated their bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership, with a commitment to boost their trade volume to €20 billion by 2029. This development followed discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aimed at enhancing cooperation amid ongoing global conflicts and geopolitical shifts. Both leaders voiced their concerns over the situations in Ukraine and West Asia, advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to achieve enduring peace. Additionally, they stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
During his visit to Rome, part of a broader five-nation tour focused on energy security and collaboration in key sectors, Modi engaged in talks with Meloni on strengthening India-Italy relations. The two premiers discussed leveraging the forthcoming India-European Union free trade agreement to enhance their economic ties. Modi expressed enthusiasm about the upgraded partnership, highlighting the India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 as a robust framework for future cooperation. The leaders underscored the goal of increasing bilateral trade from the current €14 billion to €20 billion by 2029.
Meloni emphasized Italy and India’s collaboration to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and to link this region with the Mediterranean via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi noted India’s consistent communication with Italy regarding crises in Ukraine and West Asia, reiterating India’s stance that issues should be resolved through dialogue. Meloni echoed the need for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and expressed optimism for continued peace negotiations addressing the Iran crisis.
The two countries agreed to establish a mechanism, led by their foreign ministers, to oversee the strategic action plan and provide guidance for their partnership. Areas of expanded collaboration include trade, defense, science and technology, space, energy, artificial intelligence, and education. Modi highlighted the potential for cooperation in AI, quantum technology, and civil nuclear energy, and mentioned plans for an India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups and research institutions from both nations. The defense industries’ cooperation and military collaboration also saw progress, with a roadmap for co-development and co-production.
Furthermore, both sides agreed to facilitate the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, focusing on STEM sectors and skills development aligned with labor market needs. This includes a joint declaration to ease the movement of Indian nurses to Italy, reflecting a commitment to enhancing people-to-people ties and workforce exchanges between the two countries.