India and Italy have elevated their relations to a special strategic partnership, with a commitment to boost bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. This development came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met to discuss enhancing cooperation amid global conflicts and geopolitical challenges. The leaders emphasized the importance of de-escalation and diplomacy, particularly concerning ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, and highlighted the need for freedom of navigation, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
During Modi’s visit to Rome, part of a broader tour to strengthen India’s energy security and partnerships in defense, trade, and technology, both leaders agreed to leverage the forthcoming India-European Union free trade agreement. Modi expressed enthusiasm for the upgraded relationship, noting that the India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 would provide a comprehensive framework for future collaboration. Both leaders stressed the goal of increasing trade from the current €14 billion to €20 billion by the target year.
Meloni underscored the strategic importance of collaboration between Italy and India in promoting navigation freedom in the Indo-Pacific and connecting the region with the Mediterranean via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Modi highlighted India’s consistent stance on resolving international crises through dialogue and diplomacy. In light of the Ukraine and West Asia situation, Meloni reiterated the need for a fair and lasting peace and expressed optimism about ongoing peace negotiations concerning Iran.
To ensure the partnership’s strategic direction, the two countries agreed to establish a mechanism led by their foreign ministers to review the joint strategic action plan. The partnership will focus on expanding collaboration in multiple sectors, including trade, defense, science, technology, and energy. Modi highlighted the potential for cooperation in AI, quantum technology, space, and civil nuclear energy, announcing the development of the India-Italy Innovation Centre to facilitate connections between startups, research centers, and industries.
The leaders also agreed to enhance the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, and to cooperate on skills development aligned with labor market needs. This includes a joint declaration to facilitate the movement of Indian nurses to Italy, reflecting a broader commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and addressing mutual economic and security concerns.