India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership, with a commitment to increase their trade to €20 billion by 2029. This development followed comprehensive talks between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aimed at enhancing cooperation amid global geopolitical challenges. The leaders addressed concerns over conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, advocating for diplomacy and de-escalation to achieve lasting peace. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and the resumption of shipping activities through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
During Modi’s visit to Rome, which concluded a five-nation tour focused on improving India’s energy security, both leaders discussed leveraging the forthcoming India-European Union free trade agreement. Modi expressed optimism about the upgraded partnership, highlighting the joint strategic action plan for 2025-29 as a practical framework guiding their collaboration. Emphasizing the economic potential, both leaders agreed to boost trade from the current €14 billion to the target of €20 billion by 2029.
The discussions also underscored the significance of promoting freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and enhancing connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue, while Meloni stressed the importance of achieving a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and addressing the Iran crisis through continued negotiations.
The two countries have established a mechanism under their foreign ministers to review and guide their strategic partnership. They agreed to expand cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, science, technology, and education, as well as to enhance people-to-people ties. Modi noted the potential for collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, space, and civil nuclear energy, and announced the development of an India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups and industries from both nations.
Additionally, the leaders committed to facilitating mobility for students, researchers, and skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields, and agreed on a joint declaration to support the mobility of nurses from India to Italy. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of addressing labor market needs and fostering skills development between the two countries.