Modi, Meloni Elevate India-Italy Ties to Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a new India-Italy special strategic partnership during Modi’s visit to Italy, describing it as a major step forward in bilateral relations. In a joint article, the two leaders said ties between the countries have gained “unprecedented momentum” and are now rooted in shared democratic values, freedom, and a common vision for the future. They stressed that the partnership comes at a time of rapid global change and aims to position both nations as key collaborators in shaping emerging global dynamics.
The leaders outlined plans to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, manufacturing, defence, and clean energy. They highlighted the potential of combining Italy’s industrial and design expertise with India’s innovation ecosystem, engineering talent, and fast-growing startup sector. Modi and Meloni also set a target to push bilateral trade beyond €20 billion by 2029, focusing on sectors such as aerospace, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, tourism, and chemicals. They further noted that the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement could strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Technology and connectivity emerged as central pillars of the partnership, with both leaders emphasizing collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital infrastructure, and space technology. They said India and Italy are committed to developing human-centric and ethical AI systems while also supporting digital inclusion in the Global South. The two countries also reaffirmed cooperation through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the International Solar Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance. Concluding on a cultural note, Modi and Meloni said their partnership is guided by people-centric values inspired by India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” philosophy and Italy’s humanist traditions.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
