Italy and India look set to deepen their diplomatic and economic ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rome, with both sides expected to elevate mutual links to a special strategic partnership.
An Italian government official said the upgraded framework will include regular annual summits between the two leaders and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
Prime Minister Modi will meet Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome. The two leaders are expected to adopt a joint declaration outlining long-term cooperation goals, including a target of reaching €20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029. Trade between the two countries stood at more than €14 billion in 2023, according to official figures.
The partnership will build on the strategic framework established in 2023, with both countries already cooperating in areas such as artificial intelligence, scientific research, and trade.
During the visit, Modi and Meloni will also attend a working lunch with senior executives from leading Italian and Indian companies, focusing on investment opportunities and industrial cooperation.
According to the Italian official, agreements will also be signed covering maritime transport, agriculture, higher education, critical minerals, museum cooperation, and efforts to combat economic and financial crime.
