Archive · 20 Sep 2026
India and Italy Enter More Demanding Phase of Bilateral Ties
India and Italy are trying to make their friendship and cooperation stronger.
They recently upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
The two countries have a plan for working together from 2025 to 2029.
They want to increase trade, with a target of €20 billion.
Businesses still face different rules and other barriers when trading with each other.
The countries are also cooperating more on defence, research, training and naval activities.
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor could help connect India with European markets through the Gulf and Mediterranean.
Leaders in both countries say the relationship is strong, but they now need to turn their plans into practical results.
India and Italy have elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
The countries adopted a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029 and set a €20 billion trade target.
A first Track 1.5 Dialogue in Rome examined the evolution and future of bilateral ties.
Trade integration faces non-tariff barriers and regulatory differences despite broader economic potential.
Defence cooperation, maritime security and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor are expanding areas of collaboration.
- Who
- The governments and leaders of India and Italy, including Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni, are involved.
- What
- The countries are deepening their bilateral relationship through a Special Strategic Partnership, trade plans, defence cooperation and dialogue.
- When
- The relationship was established as a Strategic Partnership in 2023, followed by a 2025–2029 action plan in 2024; the countries will mark 80 years of diplomatic ties in 2027.
- Where
- The developments concern relations between India and Italy, including discussions held in Rome.
- Why
- Both countries aim to expand trade, economic cooperation, defence ties and connections between European and Indo-Pacific routes.
- Relationship status
- India and Italy have a Special Strategic Partnership.
- Action plan
- The Joint Strategic Action Plan covers 2025–2029.
- Trade target
- The countries have a €20 billion trade target.
- Dialogue
- John Cabot University hosted the first Italy–India Track 1.5 Dialogue in Rome.
- Trade challenges
- Non-tariff barriers and regulatory divergence continue to obstruct deeper integration.
- Defence cooperation
- Cooperation includes personnel exchanges, procurement, research and development, industrial partnerships, naval visits and training.
- 2027 milestones
- India and Italy are set to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties, alongside a year dedicated to cultural tourism.