Rome: India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a “Special Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Italy on May 19-20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The two leaders held extensive talks covering political cooperation, trade, defence, technology, connectivity, migration, education and global issues. The visit marked another major milestone in India-Italy relations following recent high-level engagements during the G20 and G7 summits.
Target to Expand Bilateral Trade
India and Italy agreed to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation with a target of increasing bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. Both sides welcomed growing investments in sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, automotive, textiles, digital technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.
The leaders also welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, calling it a major step toward enhancing economic resilience and market access.
Focus on Technology, AI and Innovation
The two countries announced the launch of INNOVIT India, an innovation hub aimed at boosting cooperation between startups, universities and research institutions in areas including artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, quantum computing and semiconductor technologies.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a human-centric, secure and trustworthy AI ecosystem and agreed to cooperate in emerging technologies and supercomputing.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation Strengthened
India and Italy agreed to deepen defence cooperation through co-development and co-production projects involving helicopters, naval systems, marine armament and electronic warfare technologies.
The two sides also decided to launch a dedicated dialogue on maritime security to enhance cooperation and information-sharing in the maritime domain.
Strong Stand Against Terrorism
Both Prime Ministers strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and denounced the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders called for dismantling terror safe havens and strengthening international cooperation through platforms such as the United Nations and FATF.
Cooperation on Connectivity and IMEC
India and Italy reaffirmed support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a transformative initiative for global trade and connectivity. Both leaders called for concrete progress during the first IMEC ministerial meeting expected later this year.
Education, Mobility and Culture
The two countries agreed to enhance mobility opportunities for students, researchers and skilled professionals, particularly in STEM sectors. Italy also launched the “Italy Calls India” initiative to support Indian students studying in Italian universities.
The leaders announced that 2027 will be celebrated as the “Year of Culture and Tourism between Italy and India”, featuring cultural exhibitions, educational exchanges and collaborative heritage projects.
Shared Global Vision
India and Italy reiterated support for reforming the United Nations Security Council and strengthening multilateral institutions. Both leaders also expressed concern over the wars in Ukraine and West Asia and stressed the need for diplomacy, peace and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the warm hospitality and invited her to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
