PM Modi, Meloni Elevate India-Italy Ties To ‘Special Strategic Partnership’, Aim €22 Bn Trade By 2029
PM Modi, Meloni Elevate India-Italy Ties To ‘Special Strategic Partnership’, Aim €22 Bn Trade By 2029 Published By Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 17:26 IST
PM Modi, Meloni Elevate India-Italy Ties To ‘Special Strategic Partnership’, Aim €22 Bn Trade By 2029 Published By Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 17:26 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a Special Strategic Partnership between India and Italy while addressing a press conference in Rome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, interacts with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in Italy. (IMAGE: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India and Italy have elevated their ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership" during a joint press conference in Rome alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni said the elevation of ties between India and Italy to a “Special Strategic Partnership" followed a series of high-level engagements between the two countries over the past three years, including the launch of a strategic partnership in New Delhi in 2023 and the signing of a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029 during the G20 Summit in Brazil last year.
She also said Italy wants to further strengthen trade ties with India and aims to raise bilateral trade to 22 billion euros by 2029 from the current 14 billion euros, while stressing the importance of the proposed India-EU free trade agreement in achieving the target. PM Modi In Rome: Catch The Latest Updates “Well, we certainly want to further strengthen our trade ties. Bilateral trade stands at 14 billion euros today and we hope to take it to 22 billion euros by 2029. This is a very ambitious goal, which can also be achieved by leveraging the potential opportunities arising from the free trade agreement between the European Union and India." PM Modi went on to thank Meloni for Italy’s support in concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. “Together, we will work towards its earliest implementation so that the business community can fully benefit from it," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also invited his Italian counterpart to visit India. Tech, AI Engines Of Rome-Delhi Partnership PM Modi said India and Italy share “immense potential for cooperation in areas such as AI, quantum technology, space and civil nuclear energy". He announced that an India-Italy Innovation Centre will be established to connect startups, research centres and industries from both countries. Modi, who landed in Rome on Tuesday night on the final leg of his five-nation tour, was accorded a ceremonial military honour upon arrival for talks with Meloni. Before the press conference, the two leaders held wide-ranging talks focusing on areas such as trade, defence, clean energy and technology. ‘India, Italy Stand Together Against Terrorism’ PM Modi also said India and Italy stand together against terrorism. “Our joint initiative against terror financing has set a strong example before the world. India and Italy have sent a clear message that responsible democracies do not merely condemn terrorism, but also take concrete steps to dismantle its financial networks," PM Modi said.
He also said that he and Meloni have remained in constant touch regarding Ukraine, West Asia and other global tensions, while reiterating that India’s position remains clear that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Rome, Italy First Published: May 20, 2026, 16:42 IST News world PM Modi, Meloni Elevate India-Italy Ties To ‘Special Strategic Partnership’, Aim €22 Bn Trade By 2029 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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