Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Former Italian Foreign Minister Praises Strong India-Italy Partnership
A former Italian foreign minister said India and Italy have very strong relations.
He called India a true partner for Italy.
The two countries’ leaders, Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni, have been meeting and working together more closely.
They upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership during Modi’s visit to Italy in May.
The countries want to cooperate on defence, space, education and business.
They also want skilled workers to have opportunities to work legally in areas such as cybersecurity and space.
India and Italy agree that criminal groups should be stopped from helping people migrate illegally.
They are also supporting a larger project connecting India, the Middle East and Europe.
Senator Giulio Terzi described India-Italy relations as “extraordinarily good” and called India a true partner.
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni elevated bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership during Modi’s official visit to Italy in May.
The countries have advanced cooperation in defence, space, education, training, migration, cybersecurity and economic affairs.
Terzi said roughly 30 ministerial-level meetings have taken place over the past year and a half.
Italy and India also support closer European-Indian cooperation, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
- Who
- Former Italian Foreign Minister and Senator Giulio Terzi discussed relations between India and Italy, whose governments are led by Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni.
- What
- Terzi said bilateral relations are “extraordinarily good” and highlighted their Special Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation.
- When
- The interview was reported on Tuesday; Modi’s official visit to Italy and the partnership upgrade took place in May.
- Where
- The relationship spans cooperation between India and Italy, with wider links involving Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific.
- Why
- The countries seek closer cooperation on security, economic progress, defence, migration, technology and the wellbeing of their people.
- Relationship status
- Terzi described India-Italy relations as “extraordinarily good.”
- Partnership level
- India and Italy elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership in May.
- Action plan
- The leaders reinforced the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.
- Ministerial exchanges
- Terzi said there had been around 30 ministerial-level meetings over the previous year and a half.
- Cooperation areas
- Defence, space, education, training, migration, cybersecurity and economic cooperation were identified as priorities.
- Migration policy
- Italy and India share a stated commitment to combat criminal organisations facilitating illegal migration while respecting international law.
- Regional project
- Terzi said the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is increasingly becoming a reality and has attracted business, scientific and educational interest.