India-Italy Ties Get Biggest Upgrade Yet: 10 Key Takeaways From Modi-Meloni Meet

Last Updated:May 20, 2026, 19:09 IST

Modi and Meloni unveiled an ambitious roadmap focused on trade, artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, connectivity and emerging technologies.

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday announced the elevation of ties between India and Italy to a “Special Strategic Partnership", unveiling an ambitious roadmap focused on trade, artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, connectivity and emerging technologies.

Addressing a joint press conference in Rome, Meloni described Modi’s visit as “historic", noting that it was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Italy in 26 years. She said the two countries had steadily deepened ties over the past three years through multiple high-level meetings, including the launch of a strategic partnership in New Delhi in 2023 and the signing of a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029 during the G20 Summit in Brazil last year.

Key Takeaways From PM Modi-Meloni Talks In Rome

India, Italy Elevate Ties To ‘Special Strategic Partnership’

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni announced that India and Italy have upgraded bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership", the highest level of engagement between the two countries so far.

Meloni called the move a “historic event" and said it marked a new phase in India-Italy relations after years of closer engagement.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Gets Push

Both leaders stressed the importance of concluding the India-European Union free trade agreement.

Modi thanked Italy for backing the deal and said both sides would work towards its early implementation so businesses could fully benefit from it.

Meloni said the agreement could help Italy and India significantly expand bilateral trade.

Rome Targets €22 Billion Trade With India By 2029

Meloni said Italy aims to increase bilateral trade with India to 22 billion euros by 2029 from the current 14 billion euros.

She said India’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem complement Italy’s industrial and manufacturing strengths.

Modi, meanwhile, said more than 800 Italian companies are already active participants in India’s growth story.

India-Italy Innovation Centre To Be Set Up In New Delhi

Technology and innovation emerged as a central pillar of the partnership.

The two countries announced plans for an India-Italy Innovation Centre in New Delhi to connect startups, universities, research institutes and industries.

Both leaders highlighted cooperation in:

• artificial intelligence
• quantum technology
• space
• advanced manufacturing
• civil nuclear energy

AI Cooperation Focused On ‘Human-Centric’ Development

Meloni said India and Italy are working together to ensure artificial intelligence develops responsibly and remains focused on human needs.

She said regulation, rules and security must go hand in hand with technological innovation.

The Italian PM also referenced cooperation during Italy’s G7 presidency and India’s AI summit.

Defence, Security Ties To Deepen

Modi said defence and security cooperation reflects the “deep mutual trust" between the two countries.

He said the India-Italy defence industry roadmap has opened pathways for:

• co-development
• co-production
• stronger industrial cooperation

Both sides also discussed maritime cooperation, logistics, shipping and the blue economy.

IMEC Corridor Remains Strategic Priority

The leaders strongly backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Meloni said the corridor could unlock major trade and connectivity opportunities between Europe, the Middle East and India.

Both countries also discussed improving connectivity between the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions.

Joint Stand Against Terrorism

Modi said India and Italy are united in viewing terrorism as a “serious challenge for humanity".

He highlighted joint efforts against terror financing and said responsible democracies must not only condemn terrorism but also dismantle its financial networks.

Ukraine, West Asia Discussed

The two leaders discussed the wars and tensions in:

• Ukraine
• West Asia
• the Indo-Pacific

Both reiterated support for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary route for resolving conflicts.

Meloni also stressed the importance of maintaining a “free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific".

2027 To Be India-Italy Year Of Culture And Tourism

The two countries will celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 as the “India-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism".

Modi highlighted growing interest in Indian yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine and culture in Italy.

Meloni, meanwhile, ended the joint presser with the Hindi proverb: “Parishram Hi Safalta Ki Kunji Hai" — “Hard work is the key to success."

Bonus: The Viral ‘Melody’ Moment

Apart from trade and strategic announcements, the Modi-Meloni meeting also sparked a lighter viral moment online after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Melody toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome. In a video shared online, Meloni described it as a “very, very good toffee", before Modi replied, “Melody" — reviving the popular “Melodi" meme coined by social media users by combining the two leaders’ surnames. The moment later prompted Parle Products, which makes Melody toffees, to thank Modi for taking the Indian candy brand “to the global stage".

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