India and Italy Forge Stronger Ties: A New Era of Strategic Partnership

India and Italy have officially upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. Following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both leaders outlined plans to strengthen ties, including collaboration in artificial intelligence and critical minerals. With bilateral trade projected to reach €14.25 billion by 2025, the two nations aim for an ambitious target of €20 billion by 2029. This partnership marks a significant step in fostering closer economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 17:56 IST

Strengthening India-Italy Relations

Rome: On Tuesday, India and Italy took a significant step forward by establishing a special strategic partnership aimed at boosting collaboration in trade, investment, and emerging technologies. This decision followed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

PM Modi emphasized the extensive discussions held regarding the enhancement of bilateral relations in a joint press conference after their meeting.

Upon arriving in Rome on the last leg of his five-nation tour, Modi received a ceremonial military welcome before engaging in talks with Meloni.

Prior to their bilateral discussions, Modi met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, where they explored various facets of the India-Italy relationship, including trade, investment, and cultural ties. They also touched on potential cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space exploration, and nuclear energy.

Modi indicated that his visit would prioritize strengthening ties between India and Italy, particularly focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

In a social media update, he mentioned that both nations would assess the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, which outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration across multiple sectors.

Following Modi's arrival, Meloni hosted a dinner for him and accompanied him on a tour of the historic Colosseum, setting the stage for their formal discussions aimed at enhancing India-Italy relations.

The two leaders have maintained a close relationship in recent years, with Meloni previously visiting India for the G20 Summit in 2023.

Economic ties between India and Italy have been on the rise, with bilateral trade projected to reach €14.25 billion by 2025.

India's exports to Italy are expected to be €8.55 billion, while imports from Italy are anticipated at €5.70 billion, reflecting a 9.42% increase from 2024.

Both countries aim to achieve an annual bilateral trade target of €20 billion by 2029.

Italy ranks as India's fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union and has prioritized India in its global trade strategy.

The Indian community in Italy, estimated at 186,833 as of January 2025, represents the largest Indian diaspora in the EU, with over 5,100 Indian students currently enrolled in Italian universities.