Rome/New Delhi, 20 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced the elevation of India–Italy relations to the level of a “Special Strategic Partnership.” In a joint press statement with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister Modi said that over the past nearly three-and-a-half years, he has had several opportunities to meet Prime Minister Meloni, reflecting the growing closeness, stronger cooperation, and enhanced mutual understanding between the two countries.
He said that under Prime Minister Meloni’s leadership, India–Italy relations have gained new momentum, a new direction, and renewed confidence.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the India–Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 provides a practical and future-oriented framework for bilateral cooperation, and both countries are moving forward on it in a time-bound manner. He noted that Italy is globally renowned for design and precision, while India is recognised for its scale, talent, and cost-effective innovation.
He said that rapid progress is being made toward increasing bilateral trade to 20 billion euros. More than 800 Italian companies operating in India are actively contributing to the country’s growth journey. Referring to the business forum held during the visit, he said it clearly reflected renewed enthusiasm, confidence, and ambition among the business communities of both nations.
The Prime Minister said that close cooperation in defence and security symbolises the deep mutual trust between India and Italy. He added that this cooperation is not limited to the armed forces alone but is also expanding rapidly between the defence industries of the two countries. According to him, the Defence Industrial Roadmap has opened new avenues for co-development and co-production.
He further said that as maritime nations, cooperation between India and Italy in the field of connectivity comes naturally. Both countries will work together in areas such as shipping, port modernisation, logistics, and the blue economy.
Prime Minister Modi stated that India and Italy are united in the belief that terrorism is a serious threat to humanity. He said the joint initiative by both countries against terrorism financing has set an important example before the world. Responsible democracies, he added, not only condemn terrorism but also take concrete measures to dismantle its financial networks.
The Prime Minister also said that India and Italy have remained in continuous contact regarding Ukraine, West Asia, and other global tensions. He reiterated India’s clear position that all disputes and conflicts should be resolved only through dialogue and diplomacy.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
