India-Italy ties hit sweet spot: Deals on defence, critical minerals

Key points

• India, Italy renew joint resolve to fight terror NEW DELHI: India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership, launched a defence industrial roadmap, and signed an agreement for cooperation in critical minerals as Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hosted her counterpart Narendra Modi for talks during the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in 26 years.There were 12 other outcomes from the visit, including an MoU to prevent tax crimes and money laundering, and an MoU to boost connectivity through cooperation in maritime transport and ports.
• Both leaders backed the IndiaMiddle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project and called for concrete steps to advance the initiative in 2026. More than the outcomes though, it was the display of what Meloni described as her genuine friendship with Modi based on mutual respect and trust that attracted attention, as PM Modi gifted her ‘Melody’ toffees and...