India And Italy Upgrade Bilateral Relationship To Special Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Modi announced that India and Italy had decided to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership. During a joint press statement after the delegation-level talks with his Italian counterpart in Rome, the Prime Minister said the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 provides a practical and futuristic framework for bilateral ties. Mr Modi said both sides held extensive discussions on enhancing cooperation and are working on establishing an India-Italy Innovation Centre. He said the India-Italy Defence Industrial Roadmap has paved the way for co-development and co-production of military hardware. The Prime Minister added that both countries will also work together in shipping, port modernisation, logistics, and the blue economy. He noted that bilateral ties have gained new momentum, direction, and confidence under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Mr Modi said India and Italy have remained in constant contact regarding Ukraine, West Asia, and other global tensions. Reiterating India’s position on international conflicts, he said all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Mr Modi also said both countries are united in viewing terrorism as a serious threat to humanity and noted that their joint efforts against terror financing have set an important global example. He added that responsible democracies must not only condemn terrorism but also take concrete steps to dismantle its financial networks.

Highlighting economic cooperation, Mr Modi said Italy is known globally for design and precision, while India is recognised as a powerhouse of scale, talent, and affordable innovation. He said both countries will move forward with the principle of “Design and Develop in India and Italy and Deliver for the World.” He also noted that bilateral ties have gained new momentum, direction, and confidence under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Mr Modi appreciated Italy’s support for stronger India-Europe engagement and highlighted the importance of cooperation in emerging technologies, manufacturing, and sustainable development. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations while enhancing collaboration on global challenges and security issues.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said India and Italy are elevating ties to a Special Strategic Partnership and added that bilateral relations are now capable of realising their fullest potential. She said the friendship between the two countries is based on respect and mutual trust. Ms Meloni stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region and said both sides deliberated extensively on strengthening India-Italy ties.(UPDATED ON 20TH MAY 2026)