India and Italy elevate ties to 'special strategic partnership'
New Delhi and Rome have elevated their diplomatic ties to a "special strategic partnership," after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart.
"Today, here in Rome, we are elevating our relationship to the level of a special strategic partnership — the highest ever achieved in relations between our two nations," Meloni said following the talks held at the Villa Pamphili, a 17th-century villa where foreign leaders are often officially received.
La visita del Primo Ministro dell’India, @narendramodi, sancisce l'apice di un percorso che in questi anni abbiamo costruito con costanza e determinazione.
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026
Oggi a Roma eleviamo il nostro rapporto a partenariato strategico speciale, cioè il più alto mai raggiunto nelle relazioni… pic.twitter.com/3C64Jxhaoc
"We can say without fear of contradiction that Italy and India are now closer than ever, and that our relations are now in a position to realise their full potential," added Meloni.
As part of an agreement, India and Italy will aim to raise bilateral trade to €20 billion ($23 billion) over the next three years.
Italy is currently India's fourth-largest trading partner in the EU. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached €14.25 billion.
On the other hand, India has become Italy's second-largest trading partner in Asia, after China, according to Italy's foreign affairs ministry.
This was Modi's first visit to Italy for bilateral talks and the third trip overall. It was the last leg of the Indian premier's five-nation tour, which began on May 15 and saw him visit the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway before landing in Rome.
