Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his five-nation European tour on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with a historic upgrade of India-Italy relations to a 'Special Strategic Partnership'. During his visit to Rome, Modi received a formal military guard of honour from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the ceremony taking place on May 20, 2026. The visit marked Modi's first bilateral mission to Italy since 2000, representing a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Modi also received a warm cultural reception from the Indian community upon his arrival in Rome, with Italian PM Meloni sharing a viral selfie from the Colosseum that has drawn massive attention online.
The countries have upgraded their partnership to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' based on shared democratic values and a common vision for the future. As reported by Bhaskar English, PM Modi announced that India and Italy are moving towards their bilateral trade target of ₹1,80,000 crore ($23.2 billion) by 2029, building on the current bilateral trade volume of around ₹1,36,000 crore ($16.77 billion). The India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 provides a practical framework for cooperation across multiple sectors, with discussions focusing on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, space economy, defence, critical minerals, agro-industry, maritime transportation, tourism and culture. PM Modi emphasized that 'Design and Develop in India and Italy and Deliver for the World' will guide future collaboration.
The European tour has yielded significant agreements across multiple sectors. In the Netherlands, Tata Electronics and Dutch tech giant ASML struck a major deal to supply cutting-edge lithography equipment for a ₹90,000 crore ($11 billion) fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat. In the United Arab Emirates, India secured agreements guaranteeing long-term LPG supplies and obtained an expansion plan enabling ADNOC to store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil. The tour emphasizes forging tech partnerships, safeguarding energy sources, and creating robust supply chains amid international geopolitical uncertainties. PM Modi and PM Meloni also announced the 'Italy-India Year of Culture and Tourism for 2027', marking a unique opportunity for century-old cultures to develop dialogue and become more connected.
PM Modi highlighted the civilisational connect between Rome and his Lok Sabha constituency Kashi, noting that when two ancient civilisations meet, discussions extend beyond official agendas to include shared history, friendship, and future cooperation. The leaders emphasized that 'India and Italy agree that terrorism is a serious challenge to humanity' and have presented an important example of shared initiative against terror financing. PM Modi stated that 'India's stance is clear that all problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy', with both countries maintaining constant contact regarding Ukraine, West Asia, and other tensions. The partnership reflects a decisive phase in relations, with PM Meloni noting that ties have expanded with unprecedented momentum, evolving from cordial friendship to a special strategic partnership founded on freedom and democracy values.
