India, Italy elevate relationship to Special Strategic Partnership; PM Modi says technology, innovation engines of bilateral ties
Rome, May 20
India and Italy on Wednesday elevated their relationship to Special Strategic Partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 provides a practical and futuristic structure to the bilateral ties.
In his remarks at the Joint Press Statement with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, PM Modi said the growing frequency of engagements between the two leaders reflect the deepening cooperation and mutual trust.
"I am happy to announce that we are upgrading India-Italy relationship to Special Strategic Partnership. India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 provides a practical and futuristic structure to our partnership. We are moving forward on this in a time-bound manner. Trade between our countries is moving towards the 20 billion euros target. Over 800 Italian companies in India are contributing to India's growth story," PM Modi said.
"Technology and innovation are engines of our partnership. There are infinite possibilities for our partnership in the areas of AI, Quantum, Civil Nuclear Energy and Space. We are working on the India-Italy Innovation Centre to help connect startups, research centres and businesses in both countries," he added.
The Prime Minister said that over the past nearly three-and-a- half years, he had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni several times.
"This reflects the close cooperation and harmony between India and Italy. Under her leadership, our relations have gained new momentum, new direction, and new self-confidence. I am pleased that we are announcing the Special Strategic Partnership as we upgrade our relations," he said.
Highlighting the civilisational connection between the two nations, the Prime Minister said interactions between India and Italy go beyond formal diplomacy, noting the connection between the Italian capital of Rome and Varanasi, which is also his parliamentary constituency.
"I thank PM Meloni for the grand welcome accorded to me and my delegation. Rome is known as the 'Eternal City' in the world. My Lok Sabha constituency in India, Kashi, is also known similarly. When two civilisations meet, then discussions are not limited to an agenda, but the depth of history, a glimpse of the future and the simplicity of friendship can be seen in it," he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Rome. He also held delegation-level meeting with his Italian counterpart.
The Prime Minister arrived in Rome on Tuesday in the last leg of his five-nation tour following his engagements in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The connection between Rome and Varanasi as 'eternal cities' is so poetic. Civilizational ties make these partnerships more meaningful. Hope this brings more tourism and cultural exchanges between India and Italy!
Special Strategic Partnership - impressive move. The focus on AI and quantum tech is spot on. But let's see if this translates into real jobs and investments back home in India.
Good that Modi is strengthening these ties, but I wish we'd also hear about concrete steps on consular access and student visa issues for Indians in Italy. 800 Italian companies is nice, but what about our SMEs getting better access?
This is real diplomacy - not just handshakes, but substance! Joint action plan until 2029 gives long-term vision. And Meloni-Modi chemistry is clearly working well. 🇮🇳
Interesting that Modi mentions civilizational ties. But let's not forget the business side - Italian engineering, design, and renewable energy tech could really help India. Hope the action plan includes green tech collaboration.
The five-nation tour shows serious global engagement. From Europe to UAE, India is building bridges everywhere. The 'eternal cities' comparison - Rome and
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