New Delhi, May 20 (APAC Media): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni today announced the elevation of India-Italy relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership”, marking a major step forward in bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during a joint press conference, Meloni described the development as “the highest ever reached between the two nations,” highlighting the growing depth of ties between India and Italy.
“Italy and India are closer than they have ever been. Our relationships are now capable of expressing their fullest potential,” Meloni said.
The renewed partnership aims to strengthen cooperation across several key sectors, including trade, investment, emerging technologies, defence, healthcare, clean energy, innovation, and critical minerals.
Stronger Economic and Trade Relations
A major focus of the partnership is boosting economic cooperation. Both countries have set a target of increasing bilateral trade from the current 14 billion euros to 20 billion euros by 2029.
Calling the target ambitious yet achievable, Meloni said the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement could play a key role in accelerating trade growth.
“Our economic and productive ecosystems, highly complementary to one another, will also support us in achieving this target,” she said.
To further deepen collaboration, the two nations also plan to establish a centre in New Delhi aimed at fostering cooperation among startups, enterprises, universities, research institutions, and innovation ecosystems.
Cooperation in Critical Minerals
India and Italy also signed an agreement on cooperation in critical minerals, aimed at streamlining exploration activities and strengthening collaboration in mineral value chains.
The partnership will promote cooperation in advanced technologies, investments, and supply chains related to critical minerals, which are essential for sectors such as clean energy, electronics, and electric mobility.
Defence and Advanced Technology Cooperation
Defence emerged as another major pillar of the strategic partnership. India and Italy agreed to strengthen defence cooperation and defence manufacturing ecosystems while facilitating the joint development of advanced technologies.
The agreement is also expected to support indigenous capacity building in India’s defence sector.
Apart from defence, the two countries identified advanced manufacturing, energy, space economy, and emerging technologies as key sectors for future collaboration.
Focus on Healthcare
India and Italy also signed a healthcare pact focused on the recruitment of Indian nurses for Italy, opening new employment opportunities and strengthening healthcare cooperation between the two countries.
Security Initiatives
On the security front, both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling economic and financial crimes, including efforts against money laundering and illegal financial activities.
The elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership reflects the growing strategic convergence between India and Italy and signals a broader push toward deeper economic, technological, and people-to-people engagement in the years ahead.
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