India–Italy Relations

During the official visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Italy, both countries elevated their ties from a:

“Strategic Partnership” to a “Special Strategic Partnership.”

Key Outcomes of the Visit

1. Trade and Investment Cooperation

India and Italy agreed to:

• Expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029

• Support economic integration through the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Economic Importance

• Italy is India’s:

  • 4th largest trading partner in the European Union

• Bilateral trade:

  • US$13.76 billion (2024–25)

2. Defence Cooperation

A:

“Defence Industrial Roadmap”

was adopted focusing on:

• Co-design

• Co-development

• Co-production

of defence technologies and platforms.

3. Maritime Security

Both countries agreed to launch a:

• Maritime Security Dialogue

to enhance:

• Maritime cooperation

• Indo-Pacific coordination

• Naval engagement

4. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

Both nations reaffirmed commitment to:

• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

About IMEC

Announced in:

• 2023

Objective:

• Connect India, the Middle East and Europe through:

  • Railways

  • Shipping corridors

  • Ports and logistics networks

Importance of Italy

Italy’s Mediterranean ports may serve as:

• European endpoints of IMEC

5. Technology & Innovation

Launch of:

• “INNOVIT India”

An innovation hub connecting:

• Startups

• Universities

• Research ecosystems

Focus Areas

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Semiconductors

• Quantum Computing

• Fintech

6. Cultural Cooperation

Both countries declared:

“2027 as the Year of Culture and Tourism between India and Italy.”

7. Maritime Heritage Cooperation

Italy will participate in developing:

• National Maritime Heritage Complex

located at:

• Lothal, Gujarat

8. Other Areas of Cooperation

Additional cooperation areas include:

• Space

• Critical minerals

• Mobility agreement for Indian nurses

• Social Security Agreement (SSA)

Significance of India–Italy Relations

Economic Significance

• Expanding trade and investment opportunities

• Greater India–EU engagement

Strategic Importance

Italy is an important partner for:

• India’s Europe outreach

• Mediterranean engagement

• Indo-Pacific cooperation

• G20 coordination

Diaspora Linkages

About:

• 1.87 lakh Indians live in Italy

strengthening:

• People-to-people ties

• Cultural exchange

• Workforce mobility

Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025–2029)

The partnership includes cooperation in:

• Strategic affairs

• Economy

• Technology

• Innovation

• Cultural and people-centric sectors

Conclusion

The elevation of India–Italy relations to a:

“Special Strategic Partnership”

marks a major advancement in cooperation across:

• Trade

• Defence

• Connectivity

• Technology

• Maritime security

• Cultural diplomacy

while also strengthening India’s engagement with Europe and the Mediterranean region.