In a significant diplomatic development, India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership, with a mutual ambition to boost trade to €20 billion by 2029. This commitment was made during discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focused on enhancing cooperation amidst ongoing global conflicts and geopolitical challenges. Both leaders expressed concern over the situations in Ukraine and West Asia, advocating for de-escalation and diplomacy to achieve enduring peace. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Rome marks the conclusion of his five-nation tour, aimed at fortifying India’s energy security and fostering collaborations in defense, trade, emerging technologies, and critical minerals. During their meetings, Modi and Meloni agreed to capitalize on the forthcoming India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement, anticipated later this year. Modi remarked on the progress of their partnership, stating, “The India-Italy joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 provides a practical and futuristic framework for our partnership. We are progressing on it in a timely manner.”
Prime Minister Meloni emphasized the strategic importance of connecting the Indo-Pacific region and the Mediterranean through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. She also reiterated the need for a lasting and fair resolution to the Ukraine crisis, hoping for ongoing peace negotiations to positively address the Iran situation. Both leaders agreed to establish a mechanism, led by their respective foreign ministers, to review the joint strategic action plan for 2025-29, providing strategic guidance for their enhanced partnership.
The discussions also covered a broad spectrum of potential collaborations, including trade, defense, science and technology, space, energy, artificial intelligence, and education. Modi highlighted the potential for technological cooperation, mentioning plans for an India-Italy Innovation Centre to link startups, research centers, and industries from both nations. The defense sector was another focal point, with Modi noting the growing cooperation between the defense industries and militaries of the two countries, facilitated by a comprehensive defense industrial roadmap.
Furthermore, India and Italy aim to enhance the mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, while expanding cooperation on skills development in tune with labor market demands. This includes a joint declaration of intent to facilitate the mobility of nurses from India to Italy, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations across various sectors.