India and Italy have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership, with increased cooperation expected in trade, investment, and technological innovation. The decision followed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
According to a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi expressed that he and Meloni extensively deliberated on enhancing India-Italy relations. Modi’s visit to Italy was the final leg of his five-nation tour. He was greeted with a ceremonial military honor upon his arrival for the talks with Meloni.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, prior to the bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Modi met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella to explore various facets of the India-Italy relationship, including trade, investment, and cultural connections. Their discussions also encompassed potential collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space exploration, and nuclear energy.
Modi had earlier stated that his visit would prioritize strengthening cooperation between India and Italy, particularly focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He also noted in a social media post that both sides would be reviewing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation across diverse sectors.
Meloni hosted Prime Minister Modi for dinner soon after his arrival and accompanied him on a visit to the Colosseum before their formal talks, all aimed at further enhancing India-Italy relations. The two leaders have maintained close communication in recent years, with Meloni having previously visited India for the G20 Summit in 2023.
The economic engagement between India and Italy has seen substantial growth recently. Bilateral trade reached Euro 14.25 billion in 2025. India’s exports amounted to Euro 8.55 billion, while Italian exports to India were recorded at Euro 5.70 billion in 2025, a 9.42 percent increase from the previous year.
Both countries have set an ambitious target of achieving Euro 20 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2029. Italy is currently India’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union. Italy has also identified India as a priority country in its global trade strategy, highlighting the growing importance of the relationship.
The Indian diaspora in Italy, estimated to be 186,833 as of January 2025, represents the largest Indian community in the European Union. Additionally, over 5,100 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education at Italian universities, fostering academic and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Elevating the relationship to a special strategic partnership indicates a deeper commitment to collaboration across multiple sectors, moving beyond traditional trade and investment. With focuses on technology, energy, and infrastructure, the partnership is poised to address contemporary global challenges and opportunities.
The emphasis on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) further underscores the strategic importance of this partnership. The IMEC project aims to establish a trade route connecting India with Europe via the Middle East, potentially transforming regional trade dynamics and offering new avenues for economic growth.
The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 will serve as a detailed roadmap, outlining specific initiatives and goals for the enhanced cooperation. This structured approach aims to ensure that the partnership translates into tangible outcomes, benefiting both India and Italy.
The discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space, and nuclear energy indicate a forward-looking approach. These sectors are crucial for future economic growth and technological progress, positioning India and Italy at the forefront of innovation.
The strong people-to-people connections, exemplified by the large Indian diaspora in Italy and the growing number of Indian students in Italian universities, provide a solid foundation for the strengthened partnership. These cultural and academic exchanges foster mutual understanding and goodwill, further solidifying the bond between the two nations.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.