India, Italy elevate ties to strategic partnership
The two countries have set a target of achieving bilateral trade worth 20 billion Euros by 2029
India and Italy on Tuesday agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, with a renewed focus on trade, investment, innovation and emerging technologies. The decision was announced following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
“We deliberated extensively on enhancing India-Italy ties,” PM Modi said during a joint press statement after the meeting. PM Modi, who arrived in Rome on Tuesday night as part of the final leg of his five-nation tour, was accorded a ceremonial military welcome before the bilateral discussions.
Before meeting Meloni, the Indian Prime Minister also held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The leaders discussed key aspects of India-Italy relations, including trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space, and nuclear energy.
Earlier, PM Modi said the visit would focus on strengthening cooperation between the two countries, with special emphasis on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major connectivity initiative aimed at boosting economic integration and trade.
In a social media post, PM Modi said both sides would also review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, a comprehensive roadmap designed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
India and Italy have witnessed significant growth in economic engagement over the past few years. Bilateral trade reached approximately 14.25 billion Euros in 2025.
India’s exports to Italy stood at 8.55 billion Euros, while Italian exports to India touched 5.70 billion Euros, marking a 9.42 percent increase over 2024 figures.
Both countries have now set an ambitious target of achieving annual bilateral trade worth Euro 20 billion by 2029.
Italy is currently India’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union and has identified India as a priority nation under its global trade strategy.
The Indian community in Italy has also continued to grow steadily. As of January 2025, around 186,833 Indians reside in Italy, making it one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the European Union. More than 5,100 Indian students are currently enrolled in Italian universities.
FAO honours PM Modi
New Delhi: Director General (DG) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Dr QU Dongyu presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Agricola Medal for 2026, the Organisation’s highest award, in a ceremony held in the historic FAO Plenary Hall in Rome.
DG, FAO warmly congratulated the PM, and said, “The medal is in recognition of his contribution and commitment to the welfare of all people; the introduction of landmark schemes during his tenure to enhance agricultural productivity; bolstering food security, and improving farmer’s welfare; his support to FAO’s fundamental goals of fighting hunger and poverty, and attaining universal food security; the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and his efforts to prioritise agriculture on the international agenda, including during India’s G20 Presidency.” The DG praised India’s food and agriculture initiatives rolled out under the leadership of PM Modi for their scale and reach.
