ROME, May 20 (ANI): India and Italy on Wednesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that technology and innovation will serve as the key engines driving future cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during a joint press statement alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, PM Modi said the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 offers a practical and futuristic roadmap for strengthening bilateral ties.
“I am happy to announce that we are upgrading India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership. The India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 provides a practical and futuristic structure to our partnership. We are moving forward on this in a time-bound manner,” PM Modi said.
He noted that trade between the two countries is steadily progressing toward the target of 20 billion euros and highlighted the growing contribution of Italian companies to India’s economy.
“Trade between our countries is moving towards the 20 billion euros target. More than 800 Italian companies in India are contributing to India’s growth story,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting emerging sectors of cooperation, PM Modi said both countries are expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, civil nuclear energy and the space sector.
“Technology and innovation are engines of our partnership. There are infinite possibilities for our partnership in the areas of AI, Quantum, Civil Nuclear Energy and Space. We are working on the India-Italy Innovation Centre to help connect startups, research centres and businesses in both countries,” he added.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the growing engagement between the leadership of the two countries, saying the frequency of his meetings with PM Meloni reflects increasing trust and cooperation.
“Over the past nearly three-and-a-half years, I have had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni several times. This reflects the close cooperation and harmony between India and Italy. Under her leadership, our relations have gained new momentum, new direction and new self-confidence,” PM Modi said.
Drawing attention to the civilizational links between the two nations, PM Modi said the relationship extends beyond formal diplomacy.
“I thank PM Meloni for the grand welcome accorded to me and my delegation. Rome is known as the ‘Eternal City’ in the world. My Lok Sabha constituency in India, Kashi, is also known similarly. When two civilizations meet, discussions are not limited to an agenda, but reflect the depth of history, a glimpse of the future and the simplicity of friendship,” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Rome and held delegation-level talks with PM Meloni.
The visit to Italy marks the final leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour, following engagements in the Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and United Arab Emirates. (ANI)
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