India, Italy Strengthen Ties on Trade, Ukraine, and Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, focusing on critical global issues like the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Ukraine conflict, and the transformative India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC). The discussion, which underscored the strengthening ties between New Delhi and Rome, highlighted Italy’s proactive support for India’s ambitious economic and diplomatic initiatives, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation.

Modi expressed gratitude to Meloni for Italy’s backing of the India-EU FTA, which is nearing a crucial phase with the 13th round of negotiations underway in New Delhi. Launched in June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, the FTA aims to boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs and fostering market access, with both sides targeting a deal by year-end. “We reaffirmed our joint commitment to deepen India-Italy Strategic Partnership,” Modi posted on X, emphasizing the shared goal of concluding a “mutually beneficial” agreement that could reshape economic ties between India and the 27-nation EU bloc.

The leaders also tackled pressing global challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Modi reiterated India’s support for an early and peaceful resolution, aligning with New Delhi’s consistent stance on diplomacy and dialogue. The conversation reflected a mutual desire to address regional stability, with both leaders exchanging views on issues like counter-terrorism, defense cooperation, and global health. An official Indian readout highlighted the positive assessment of bilateral ties, noting advancements in sectors such as investment, space, science and technology, education, and people-to-people connections, all guided by the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025–29).

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A key focus was the IMEEEC, a groundbreaking connectivity initiative unveiled during the 2023 G20 Summit in Delhi. Envisioned as a vast network of roads, railroads, and shipping routes linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, the corridor aims to integrate economies across Saudi Arabia, India, the U.S., and Europe. Meloni pledged Italy’s support for advancing this ambitious project, which promises to enhance trade, energy cooperation, and digital connectivity. “Thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s proactive support for promoting connectivity through the IMEEEC initiative,” Modi noted, signaling the corridor’s potential to redefine global economic pathways.

Meloni also endorsed India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in 2026, underscoring Italy’s commitment to collaborating on cutting-edge technology. The leaders’ alignment on AI, alongside defense and security cooperation, reflects the broadening scope of the India-Italy partnership. With Italy’s backing, India aims to leverage its G20 presidency legacy and its growing global influence to drive these initiatives forward.

The call comes at a time when India is strengthening its strategic partnerships to navigate a complex global landscape. The Modi-Meloni dialogue, building on their frequent interactions, including at the G20 Summit, highlights the deepening trust between the two nations. As India pushes for economic integration with Europe and a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, this conversation marks a significant step toward cementing India’s role as a global leader and Italy as a key partner in its ascent.

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