20 May,2026 07:08 PM IST | Rome | mid-day online correspondent
PMs Modi and Meloni held talks in Italy on Wednesday. PIC/X
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni have said that India and Italy can effectively address common global challenges by building on their deep strategic partnership and longstanding cultural ties, while placing people at the centre of a future-oriented bilateral relationship.
The Indian Premier on Wednesday shared that he has co-authored a joint op-ed with PM Meloni, in which both leaders noted that bilateral relations between India and Italy have reached a decisive stage. He described the relationship as a Special Strategic Partnership driven by innovation, shared democratic values and a common vision for the future.
"Penned an op-ed with PM Meloni on how India-Italy ties have reached a decisive stage. Ours is a Special Strategic Partnership driven by innovation, shared democratic values and a common vision for the future," Modi wrote on X.
In the joint article, the two leaders said that in recent years, ties between the two countries have expanded with unprecedented momentum, evolving from a cordial friendship into a special strategic partnership grounded in the values of freedom and democracy and a shared vision for the future.
They noted that at a time when the international system is undergoing profound change, the India-Italy partnership is gaining a new and higher dimension, combining economic dynamism, societal creativity and civilisational wisdom.
"Our cooperation mirrors our shared awareness that prosperity and security in the 21st century will be shaped by the ability of nations to innovate, manage energy transitions, and strengthen strategic sovereignty," the leaders wrote.
Highlighting industrial collaboration, Modi and Meloni said Italy's strengths in design, manufacturing and supercomputing, combined with India's rapid economic growth, engineering talent and innovation-driven startup ecosystem, can create a "powerful synergy".
They expressed confidence that the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement would further boost bilateral trade and investment, with both sides aiming to exceed the Euro 20 billion trade target by 2029. Sectors such as defence, aerospace, clean technologies, pharmaceuticals and agri-food were identified as key areas of focus.
The leaders also underlined growing cooperation in technology and innovation, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. They stressed the need for responsible, ethical and human-centric AI development, aligning India's vision of âMANAV' with Italy's human-centric "algor-ethics".
On defence and security, both leaders expressed their intent to deepen collaboration in strategic technologies, maritime security and counter-terrorism. Energy cooperation, including renewable energy and green hydrogen, was also highlighted as a key pillar of the partnership.
The two Prime Ministers noted the increasing interconnectedness between the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions, describing the emergence of an "Indo-Mediterranean" corridor as a significant strategic and economic link. They also welcomed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as a transformative initiative.
In conclusion, PM Modi and PM Meloni said that India and Italy can address shared challenges by drawing upon their profound partnership and enduring cultural ties. They added that their shared vision aims to build a strong and forward-looking partnership with people at its centre.
(With IANS inputs)
