Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on May 19, 2026, for the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Italy in 26 years [1, 2, 3]. Modi previously visited Italy for international summits including the G20 meeting in 2021 and the G7 summit in 2024 [1, 2, 3].
On May 20, Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Pamphili for bilateral talks aimed at deepening cooperation [1, 2, 3]. The leaders took selfies together at the Colosseum and shared a lighthearted moment involving a packet of “Melody” toffees, a pun on Meloni’s name [1, 2, 3]. Meloni said, “Today, here in Rome, we are elevating our relationship to the level of a special strategic partnership — the highest ever achieved in relations between our two nations” [2]. She added, “We can say without fear of contradiction that Italy and India are now closer than ever, and that our relations are now in a position to realise their full potential” [2].
The two governments agreed to raise their bilateral relationship to a special strategic partnership, the highest level of cooperation between their nations [2, 3]. They set a target to increase bilateral trade from its recent value of about €14 billion–€14.25 billion to €20 billion by 2029 [1, 2, 3]. Meloni noted the complementary nature of Italy’s manufacturing and industry with India’s size and digital innovation, describing the partnership as opening opportunities for business, investment, and industrial cooperation [2].
Sectors identified for cooperation include defence, aerospace, car parts, clean technologies, textiles, semiconductors, automotive, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, digital technologies, critical raw materials, steel, ports, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, and nuclear energy [1, 2, 3]. Several agreements were expected on maritime transport, agriculture, higher education, critical minerals, museum cooperation, and combating economic and financial crime [3].
Modi planned to visit the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation headquarters in Rome to highlight India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security [1]. His visit concluded a six-day tour encompassing the United Arab Emirates and Europe [2].
India has recently overtaken Japan and South Korea to become Italy’s second-largest trading partner in Asia after China, reflecting shifting geopolitical ties [2]. Meloni emphasized the desire to deepen engagement amid these changes [3]. Modi greeted Meloni warmly, stating “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” [3].
Following the talks, a joint declaration was expected to formalize the special strategic partnership with plans for annual summit meetings [3]. The full outcomes were reported in Malaysian media on May 21, confirming the elevated partnership status and trade targets [2].
