India, Italy elevate ties to Special Strategic Partnership; sign defence cooperation roadmap
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, May 21, 2026: India and Italy on Wednesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks in Rome and agreed on a roadmap for defence industrial cooperation amid growing global uncertainties.
The two countries also signed agreements on maritime transport, cooperation in critical minerals exploration, and mobility of Indian nurses to Italy. Both sides welcomed ongoing discussions on a future Social Security Agreement.
India and Italy set a target to increase bilateral trade from the current €14 billion to €20 billion by 2029.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Modi said cooperation in defence and security reflected the deep trust between the two countries. He noted that the newly agreed roadmap for defence industrial cooperation would pave the way for co-development and co-production initiatives.
The agreement comes months after Adani Defence and Aerospace signed an MoU with Italian defence firm Leonardo S.p.A. to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The collaboration focuses on localisation, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and pilot training for advanced military helicopters.
According to a joint statement issued after the talks, the defence roadmap will promote technological partnerships and joint projects in areas including helicopters, naval platforms, marine armaments and electronic warfare. Both leaders also stressed the importance of securing critical infrastructure and strengthening industrial resilience.
Modi said India and Italy, as maritime powers, would deepen cooperation in shipping, port modernisation, logistics and the blue economy.
India’s Enforcement Directorate also signed an agreement with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza to strengthen cooperation in tackling tax crimes, money laundering and terror financing.
Highlighting technology and innovation as key pillars of the partnership, Modi said both countries see significant opportunities in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space and civil nuclear energy. He added that work was underway to establish an India-Italy Innovation Centre linking startups, research institutions and industries.
Meloni said India’s scale, digital infrastructure and innovation complement Italy’s industrial and manufacturing strengths, opening new avenues for business, investment, employment and industrial collaboration.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a transformative initiative for global trade and connectivity. They agreed to hold the first IMEC ministerial meeting in 2026 to advance the project.
The talks also covered key global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi reiterated that India supports dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolving international disputes.
Meloni said India and Italy shared common views on global stability, economic security, resilient supply chains and inclusive development. She also expressed hope for progress in peace efforts related to Ukraine and the ongoing Iran crisis.