India and Italy have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” marking a significant milestone in ties between the two nations. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following wide-ranging talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
The two leaders unveiled the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, describing it as a practical and forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The move reflects growing political trust, expanding economic collaboration, and increasing strategic convergence between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Italy is steadily progressing towards the target of 20 billion Euros. He noted that more than 800 Italian companies are actively contributing to India’s economic growth and industrial development, underlining the strong business partnership between the two economies.
Emphasising the cultural and civilisational connection between India and Italy, PM Modi drew parallels between Rome and his parliamentary constituency Kashi, both known as “eternal cities.” He remarked that meetings between two ancient civilizations go beyond formal agendas and reflect shared history, friendship, and future aspirations.
The Indian Prime Minister also praised Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, stating that relations between the two nations have gained new momentum, confidence, and direction over the past few years. Frequent high-level interactions between the two leaders have further strengthened diplomatic coordination and strategic understanding.
Defence and security cooperation emerged as a major pillar of the discussions. Both sides acknowledged deepening collaboration between their defence industries and welcomed progress under the Defence Industrial Roadmap. The roadmap aims to encourage co-development and co-production initiatives between Indian and Italian firms.
As maritime nations, India and Italy also agreed to strengthen cooperation in shipping, port modernisation, logistics, and the blue economy. The leaders recognised the growing importance of maritime connectivity and supply chain resilience in the evolving global landscape.
Counter-terrorism cooperation was another major focus of the talks. PM Modi said India and Italy share a common understanding that terrorism remains a serious threat to humanity. He highlighted the joint initiative by both countries against terror financing, stating that responsible democracies must move beyond condemnation and take concrete action to dismantle financial networks supporting terrorism.
The leaders also outlined a shared economic vision built around innovation, manufacturing, and technology collaboration. PM Modi stated that Italy’s strength in design and precision manufacturing complements India’s scale, talent, and affordable innovation ecosystem. Both countries agreed to work together under the principle of “Design and Develop in India and Italy, Deliver for the World.”
The elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership is expected to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, defence, connectivity, energy, and innovation, while further strengthening India’s engagement with Europe in an increasingly multipolar global order.
