India-Italy Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership

On 20th May 2026, India and Italy elevated bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rome to expand cooperation in trade, defence, technology, connectivity, and global governance.

Key Points

Trade Target: India and Italy aim to increase bilateral trade to 20 billion euros by 2029.
Key Sectors: Cooperation will expand in semiconductors, AI, clean technologies, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, textiles, and critical minerals.
IMEC Support: Both sides reaffirmed commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as a major connectivity and trade project.
Innovation Hub: The countries launched “INNOVIT India” to strengthen startup, research, and technology collaboration.
Defence Cooperation: India and Italy adopted a Defence Industrial Roadmap covering naval systems, helicopters, marine armaments, and electronic warfare.
Counterterrorism: Both nations condemned terrorism and reiterated cooperation under FATF and UN mechanisms.