India and Italy have elevated their diplomatic relations to a special strategic partnership, aiming to boost bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. This development comes after discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met to reinforce collaboration amid ongoing global conflicts and geopolitical challenges. The leaders highlighted their shared concerns over the situations in Ukraine and West Asia, stressing the importance of de-escalation and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace. They also advocated for freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, to ensure the uninterrupted flow of shipping.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Rome marked the conclusion of a five-nation tour focused on enhancing India’s energy security and strengthening cooperation in pivotal sectors such as defence, trade, investment, and emerging technologies. During their talks, Modi and Meloni concurred on leveraging the forthcoming India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement, set to be signed later this year. “I am delighted that we are upgrading our relations to a special strategic partnership,” Modi remarked, emphasizing the timely progress on the India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29.
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Meloni emphasized the need for Italy and India to work together to maintain freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and to bridge connections between this region and the Mediterranean via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving international tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, noting the regular communication between India and Italy on crises in Ukraine and West Asia. Meloni expressed hope for continued peace negotiations in Ukraine and a positive resolution to the Iran crisis.
The leaders agreed on establishing a mechanism, led by their respective foreign ministers, to review the joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 and provide strategic direction for the partnership. They also pledged to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, innovation, space, energy, artificial intelligence, critical technologies, education, and cultural exchanges. Modi highlighted the potential for collaboration in technology and innovation, noting plans for an India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups and research industries from both countries.
Furthermore, both nations agreed to improve the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, and to collaborate on skills development to meet labor market demands. This includes a joint declaration to facilitate the mobility of nurses from India to Italy, underscoring a commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering mutual growth in the workforce.