Italy views Modi visit as new chapter for partnership

Italy (Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani) announced the elevation of bilateral relations with India to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s first bilateral visit to Italy.

• Main announcement: During Prime Minister Modi’s visit Italy announced a Special Strategic Partnership with India, building on the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, and aiming to deepen cooperation across advanced manufacturing, defence, energy transition, connectivity, space and AI (including the AI Hub for Sustainable Development in Rome and the new INNOVIT India innovation hub).
• Background and concrete details: The visit highlighted concrete projects and frameworks such as the Leonardo–Adani Defence & Aerospace helicopter hub project, the Defence Cooperation Agreement and industrial roadmap, the Blue & Raman submarine cable project connecting the Mediterranean, the Gulf and India, and recent economic engagement (Italian exports to India +9.4% in 2025; three bilateral business fora in 2025). The piece also states a reassessment of IMEC implementation timelines due to West Asia instability but affirms continued work on maritime, ports, digital connections and customs procedures.