India–Italy Relations Elevated to Special Strategic Partnership

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of India visited Italy. During this visit, both countries agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership.

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¨     The visit built upon growing India–Italy engagement after PM Modi’s participation in the 2024 G7 Summit in Italy and PM Meloni’s visits to India for the 2023 G20 Summit and Raisina Dialogue.

¨     Both leaders adopted an expanded roadmap covering trade, defence, technology, AI, connectivity, mobility, culture, and Indo-Pacific cooperation, while also reaffirming support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

¨     India and Italy also emphasized cooperation on counter-terrorism, critical minerals, maritime security, green transition, space, and resilient supply chains amid emerging Indo-Mediterranean geopolitical dynamics.

Key Outcomes of Visit

¨     Elevation of Bilateral Ties: India and Italy elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.Both countries also agreed to institutionalise annual leaders’ meetings and strengthen ministerial as well as institutional dialogues.

¨     Trade and Economic Cooperation: The two countries set a target to increase bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029.Cooperation will focus on sectors such as semiconductors, clean technologies, automotive, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, infrastructure, ports, tourism, and textiles.

¨     Critical Minerals Partnership: India and Italy signed an MoU on critical minerals cooperation.The partnership will focus on building resilient supply chains, promoting sustainable extraction practices, recovering minerals from e-waste and mine tailings, and advancing circular economy initiatives.

¨     IMEC and Connectivity: Both sides reaffirmed their support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).An MoU on maritime transport and ports was signed, and a Joint Working Group will be established for its implementation.

¨     Science, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence: India and Italy launched INNOVIT India, an innovation hub aimed at promoting startup acceleration, research collaboration, talent mobility, and industry partnerships.Cooperation will cover areas such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, supercomputing, green hydrogen, and renewable energy.

¨     Space Cooperation: Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Italian Space Agency in areas including Earth observation, heliophysics, space exploration, and protection of space infrastructure.

¨     Defence and Maritime Security: India and Italy adopted a Defence Industrial Roadmap and a Joint Declaration of Intent on Defence Cooperation.Cooperation will focus on helicopters, naval platforms, electronic warfare, co-development, and co-production. Both countries also launched a Dialogue on Maritime Security.

¨     Counter-Terrorism and Security Cooperation: Italy strongly condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation at the United Nations, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and other counter-terror financing mechanisms.MoUs were also signed to combat money laundering, terror financing, and tax crimes.

¨     Migration and Mobility: India and Italy agreed to facilitate the mobility of students, researchers, skilled workers, and nurses.The “ICI – Italy Calls India” initiative was launched to connect Indian students with Italian enterprises.

¨     Culture and Education: The year 2027 was declared the Year of Culture and Tourism between India and Italy.Italy will participate in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.Both countries also adopted the Indo-Italian Roadmap on Higher Education and Research.

¨     Multilateral and Global Cooperation: India and Italy reaffirmed support for UN reforms, a rules-based international order, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.Both sides also agreed to cooperate in Africa through trilateral initiatives in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), renewable energy, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, and healthcare.