India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the elevation of India-Italy ties to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’, enhancing connections between the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific region during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
Key Agreements
- Annual Meetings:
- Agreement to hold annual meetings on the sidelines of multilateral events.
- Regular ministerial and institutional-level engagements agreed upon.
- Defence Partnership:
- Joint Declaration of Intent and Industrial Roadmap concluded for co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products.
- Maritime Security:
- Launch of a Dialogue on Maritime Security for enhanced cooperation and exchange of best practices.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
- Bilateral Trade:
- Current trade stands at 14 billion euros, with a target to increase to 22 billion euros by 2029.
- Focus on leveraging the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to achieve this target.
- Innovation and Technology:
- Establishment of an India-Italy Innovation Centre to connect startups, research centers, and industries.
- Collaboration potential in AI, quantum technology, space, and civil nuclear energy.
Security and Global Issues
- Counter-Terrorism:
- Commitment to combating terrorism at bilateral and multilateral levels.
- Satisfaction expressed over the Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism.
- Global Tensions:
- Dialogue on Ukraine, West Asia, advocating for resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Cultural and Infrastructure Initiatives
- Year of Culture and Tourism 2027:
- Agreement to celebrate 2027 as the year of culture and tourism between India and Italy.
- Infrastructure Projects:
- Commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
- Discussion on combating irregular migration and promoting safe and legal migration.
