India, Italy elevate ties to special strategic partnership across trade, tech and IMEC

India and Italy elevated bilateral relations to a “special strategic partnership” that outlines a roadmap for cooperation across trade, tech, defense and connectivity, as per an External Affairs Ministry press release. Both sides reaffirmed plans to raise annual bilateral trade to EUR 20 bn by 2029, up from EUR 14.25 bn in 2025.

Last leg of the five-nation tour: The announcement comes in light of the talks in Rome between Prime Ministers — Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni — describing it as the highest level of engagement between the two countries.

Tech-tok: Quantum technologies, AI space and civil nuclear cooperation emerged as key growth sectors, as well as plans for a new India-Italy innovation centre linking startups and research institutions. The pact focuses heavily on manufacturing, energy transition, bilateral investment, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.