India and Italy Elevate Ties to ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ as PM Modi Meets PM Meloni in Rome.

Rome:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday announced a major upgrade in bilateral relations, elevating India-Italy ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” following high-level talks in Rome.

Addressing a joint press statement after bilateral discussions, PM Modi described the meeting as a reflection of the growing trust, cooperation, and shared vision between the two democracies. He thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the warm reception extended to him and the Indian delegation.

Drawing a cultural parallel between Rome and Varanasi, Modi said that when two ancient civilizations meet, discussions are shaped not only by present-day agendas but also by “the depth of history, the vision for the future, and the warmth of friendship.”

New Momentum in India-Italy Relations

Prime Minister Modi noted that over the last three-and-a-half years, he and PM Meloni have met several times, underscoring the strengthening strategic convergence between the two nations. He praised Meloni’s leadership for giving bilateral relations “new speed, new direction, and renewed confidence.”

The leaders reviewed progress under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, which Modi described as a “practical and futuristic framework” for deeper cooperation across sectors.

Bilateral trade, he said, is moving rapidly toward the target of 20 billion euros, while more than 800 Italian companies operating in India are actively participating in the country’s economic growth story.

Focus on Innovation, Manufacturing and Business

Highlighting complementary strengths of the two economies, Modi said Italy is globally known for design and precision, while India is recognized for scale, talent, and affordable innovation.

He announced that both countries would move ahead with the principle of “Design and Develop in India and Italy, and Deliver for the World.”

The partnership will cover a broad range of sectors, including:

Fashion and fintech

Leather and logistics

Mobility and manufacturing

Advanced technologies and innovation

The Prime Minister also thanked Italy for supporting the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA) and said both sides would work for its early implementation to maximize benefits for businesses.

Cooperation in AI, Space and Nuclear Energy

Technology and innovation emerged as key pillars of the partnership. Modi said India and Italy see vast opportunities for cooperation in:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Quantum technologies

Space research

Civil nuclear energy

To strengthen collaboration among startups, research institutions, and industries, both countries are working on establishing an India-Italy Innovation Centre.

Defence, Maritime and Africa Cooperation

The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in defence and security. Modi said growing engagement between the armed forces and defence industries of both countries reflects deep mutual trust.

The recently developed Defence Industrial Roadmap is expected to facilitate co-development and co-production initiatives between Indian and Italian defence sectors.

As maritime powers, India and Italy also agreed to deepen collaboration in:

Shipping

Port modernization

Logistics

Blue economy initiatives

In a significant geopolitical move, both sides agreed to extend their partnership to third countries, especially in Africa, where they plan to undertake concrete development projects jointly.

Strong Stand Against Terrorism

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India and Italy share a common position that terrorism remains a serious threat to humanity.

He highlighted joint efforts against terror financing, stating that both countries have demonstrated that “responsible democracies not only condemn terrorism but also take concrete action to dismantle its financial networks.”

The leaders also exchanged views on global conflicts, including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance that all disputes should be resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy.”

Cultural Ties and People-to-People Relations

The Indian Prime Minister stressed that historical and cultural ties continue to bind the two nations closely. Interest in Indian art, yoga, Ayurveda, and cuisine is growing steadily in Italy, he said.

Referring to the linguistic roots shared by Sanskrit and Latin, Modi said the relationship between India and Italy goes beyond diplomacy and is rooted in “shared civilizational heritage.”

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, the two countries will celebrate a “Year of Culture.”

Modi also appreciated the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Italy and thanked the Italian government and people for their support and care for the community.

He noted that the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, signed three years ago, has increased exchanges and movement between the people of both countries.

Invitation to Visit India

Concluding his remarks, PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Meloni for what he described as a “very useful meeting” and extended an invitation to her to visit India once again on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.