New Delhi, May 20
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have said relations between India and Italy have entered a “decisive stage”, evolving from a friendly partnership into a “special strategic partnership”. In a joint article published in Indian and Italian media, the two leaders said the partnership is being strengthened at a time of “profound change” in the international system.
Modi, who is currently in Italy during the final leg of his five-nation tour, said the two countries were building closer ties based on freedom, democracy and a shared vision for the future. The leaders said the relationship now combines “economic dynamism, societal creativity and millennia-old civilisational wisdom”.
They pledged to deepen cooperation across sectors including defence, aerospace, artificial intelligence (AI), energy, digital infrastructure and manufacturing.
The article highlighted plans to expand trade and investment between India and Italy, with both countries aiming to exceed €20bn (£17bn; $22bn) in bilateral trade by 2029.
The two leaders also welcomed progress towards a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, saying it would boost economic ties further.
Modi and Meloni said India’s engineering talent and start-up ecosystem could complement Italy’s industrial and manufacturing expertise.
They described AI as a key area of cooperation, stressing the importance of “human-centred” and ethical development of the technology.
The leaders said India’s vision of “MANAV” — placing humans at the centre of technology — aligned with Italy’s concept of “algor-ethics”, which promotes responsible use of AI.
They also underlined cooperation in cybersecurity, quantum computing, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
On security matters, the leaders said India and Italy would work together to strengthen maritime security and counter threats including terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The article also emphasised collaboration in the space sector, citing India’s advances in satellite technology and Italy’s aerospace capabilities.
Both leaders backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a major project to improve transport, energy, digital connectivity and supply chains linking Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
They said the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions were becoming increasingly interconnected, creating what they called an “Indo-Mediterranean” space for trade, technology and ideas.
The article concluded by highlighting shared cultural values, with the leaders referring to India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — meaning “the world is one family” — and Italy’s humanist traditions rooted in the Renaissance.
