Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have said that relations between India and Italy have reached a decisive stage, evolving from a cordial friendship into a special strategic partnership based on democratic values and a shared vision for the future.
In a joint article, the two leaders said the partnership is gaining a new dimension through regular political and institutional exchanges, combining economic dynamism, societal creativity, and civilisational wisdom of both countries. They said prosperity and security in the 21st century will depend on innovation, energy transition, and strategic sovereignty.
The two leaders emphasized the need to deepen and diversify bilateral ties by combining Italy’s industrial and manufacturing strengths with India’s economic growth, engineering talent, and innovation ecosystem. They highlighted opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as defence, aerospace, clean technologies, automotive components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agri-food, tourism, and advanced manufacturing.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni said the proposed Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and India would pave the way for increased trade and investment. They expressed the goal of crossing the Euro 20 billion trade target between the two countries by 2029.
The leaders said “Made in Italy” and “Make in India” complement each other, noting the growing presence of Italian companies in India and Indian industries in Italy. More than 1,000 companies from both countries are now operating across the two economies.
They also underlined the importance of technological innovation, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure. The leaders said India’s digital public infrastructure and Italy’s industrial and ethical expertise provide a strong basis for cooperation in human-centric Artificial Intelligence.
The article said India and Italy are also expanding cooperation in space technology, renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, cyber security, and resilient infrastructure. The two countries reiterated their commitment to work together against terrorism, cyber-crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and threats to maritime security.
Highlighting connectivity initiatives, the two leaders referred to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as a major vision for linking regions through transport, digital networks, energy systems, and supply chains.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni also stressed the importance of cultural and civilisational ties. They said Indian values such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and Italy’s humanist traditions provide the foundation for a strong and forward-looking India-Italy partnership centred on people and shared progress.
(Source: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Blog Post)
