Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Italy on an official visit, during which he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit is aimed at strengthening relations between India and Italy, with discussions expected on trade, investment, technology, defence and global security.
During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders are expected to discuss opportunities to expand trade and investment and strengthen cooperation in defence, security and technology partnerships. India and Italy may also move towards granting their relationship the status of a “Special Strategic Partnership”. If approved, the proposal would further strengthen institutional cooperation and political coordination between the two countries.
Economic ties between India and Italy have expanded in recent years, with bilateral trade currently exceeding 14 billion euros, according to the source content. Both countries are working to diversify trade cooperation, particularly in the automobile and manufacturing sectors, machinery, engineering and industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and green energy and environmentally sustainable technologies.
The source content states that India’s “Make in India” policy and the expansion of its digital economy have created new opportunities for foreign investors, while Italy’s technological expertise and industrial capabilities could serve as an important partnership avenue for India.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to meet leading Italian industrialists and business leaders to promote investment in India and develop new industrial partnerships. Discussions are expected to focus on the establishment of new manufacturing units in India, technological cooperation and innovation partnerships, and investment opportunities in startups and the digital ecosystem. The source content states that the meeting could contribute to promoting European investment in India and connecting global companies with the Indian market.
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni is also expected to include discussions on several global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and its global impact, rising tensions in the Middle East, security developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the global energy crisis and alternative energy sources, and supply chain stability and economic security.
The source content states that India and Italy are increasingly expanding cooperation beyond trade into strategic sectors, including defence and security, cybersecurity and digital technology, space and scientific research, green energy and climate-related initiatives, and education and cultural exchange. If the “Special Strategic Partnership” is formalised, the source content states that it would strengthen India’s diplomatic position in Europe.
Prime Minister Modi had previously visited Italy in June 2024 to attend the G7 summit. According to the source content, India’s role and approach to global issues were appreciated during the summit. The current visit is described in the source content as part of diplomatic continuity aimed at strengthening India’s active role on global platforms.
The Italy visit marks the final phase of Prime Minister Modi’s broader foreign tour. Prior to this, he visited the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, with the visits aimed at strengthening India’s economic, technological and strategic relations globally.
