Rome/New Delhi, 20 May (H.S.):

India and Italy have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a “Special Strategic Partnership” and decided to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence, maritime economy, connectivity, education, and people-to-people ties, while also setting a target of expanding bilateral trade to USD 20 billion.

Following bilateral talks held on Wednesday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, the two countries signed 15 agreements covering trade, investment, technology, defence, maritime economy, connectivity, education, and measures aimed at deepening people-to-people relations. Both nations also agreed to work toward increasing bilateral trade to USD 20 billion.

Before the meeting, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour, following which delegation-level talks were held. According to the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, the two leaders discussed major geopolitical developments and agreed to work closely on global issues of shared interest. In a significant decision, both sides agreed to elevate India-Italy relations to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both countries agreed to upgrade their ties in order to make bilateral cooperation more meaningful and future-oriented. India and Italy have also prepared a Defence Industrial Roadmap to enhance joint development capabilities in advanced technologies. The two countries will work together in the field of critical and rare minerals.

In addition, enforcement agencies of both countries will cooperate in combating money laundering, terror financing, and tax-related crimes. India and Italy also agreed to celebrate the year 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Tourism.” The two sides further agreed to create employment opportunities for Indian nurses in Italy and strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector.

The agreements also cover cooperation related to the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat, higher education, development of maritime transport facilities, agriculture, marine products, Ayurveda, and weather and climate change studies. Indian researchers will also gain access to the synchrotron radiation facility at Elettra.

Following the talks, both leaders issued a joint statement.

Prime Minister Modi said that under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, India-Italy relations have gained new momentum, new direction, and renewed confidence. He stated that the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 provides a practical and future-oriented framework for bilateral cooperation and is being implemented in a time-bound manner.

Prime Minister Modi said that Italy is globally renowned for design and precision, while India is recognised for scale, talent, and affordable innovation.

He noted that rapid progress is being made toward achieving bilateral trade worth 20 billion euros. More than 800 Italian companies operating in India are actively contributing to India’s growth journey. He added that the Defence Industrial Roadmap has opened new avenues for co-development and co-production.

The Prime Minister further said that, as maritime powers, India and Italy will work together in the areas of shipping, port modernisation, logistics, and the blue economy.

Prime Minister Modi said that India and Italy are united in their view that terrorism poses a serious threat to humanity. He noted that the joint initiatives undertaken by both countries against terror financing have set an important example before the world. Responsible democracies, he said, not only condemn terrorism but also take concrete steps to dismantle its financial networks.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni linked India-Italy relations with the spirit of hard work and even remarked in Hindi, “Parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai” (“Hard work is the key to success”). She said that the phrase reflects how both nations are building their relationship — through dedication and sustained effort leading to success.

In her statement, Meloni also referred to international developments, including the Ukraine conflict, the Iran crisis, and the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. She said that India and Italy would continue to play an active role together in promoting peace and stability.

She further announced that both countries have decided to celebrate 2027 as the “Italy-India Year of Culture and Tourism,” describing it as a unique opportunity to deepen dialogue between two ancient civilisations and further strengthen cultural connections.

Meloni said that advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, the space economy, and defence are among the major areas where both countries are working closely together. Critical minerals, agro-industry, maritime transport, tourism, and culture also present significant opportunities for cooperation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Italian President Sergio Mattarella. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership and discussed cooperation in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and culture. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar