India and Italy have upgraded bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation across defence, trade, technology, energy and education, while reaffirming support for dialogue and diplomacy on global conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Key developments include:
- A new Defence Industrial Roadmap covering co-development of helicopters, naval platforms and electronic warfare systems
- A target to increase bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029
- Agreements on critical minerals, maritime transport, agriculture and skilled worker mobility
- Expanded cooperation in AI, quantum technology, space, STEM education and IMEC connectivity projects
Both sides also confirmed stronger counterterrorism cooperation and backed closer India-EU economic integration following the India-EU Free Trade Agreement framework agreed earlier in 2026.
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