India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership, with a commitment to increase their trade volume to €20 billion by 2029. This development came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation amid global geopolitical tensions, particularly in Ukraine and West Asia. Both leaders underscored the importance of de-escalation and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and emphasized the need for freedom of navigation, including resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
During Modi’s visit to Rome, which marked the last stage of his five-nation tour focused on energy security and cooperation in defense, trade, and technology, the two leaders agreed to work towards leveraging the forthcoming India-European Union free trade agreement. Modi expressed his satisfaction with the upgraded bilateral ties, noting that the joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 offers a practical framework for collaboration. Meloni highlighted the significance of joint efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and to connect this region with the Mediterranean via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Modi and Meloni addressed various crises, including those in Ukraine and West Asia, reaffirming India’s stance on resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Meloni emphasized the need for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and hoped for positive outcomes in peace negotiations concerning Iran. The leaders also agreed to establish a mechanism, led by their foreign ministers, to review the strategic action plan and provide guidance for their partnership.
The two countries plan to expand collaboration across numerous sectors, including trade and investment, defense and security, science and technology, and more. They are particularly focused on the potential for cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, space, and civil nuclear energy, with the establishment of an India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups and industries. Additionally, both nations aim to augment defense industry ties and facilitate co-development and co-production initiatives.
Moreover, India and Italy intend to enhance the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, especially in STEM fields, while also promoting skills development to meet labor market needs. A joint declaration of intent has been set to facilitate the mobility of Indian nurses to Italy, further strengthening people-to-people connections between the two nations.