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India and Italy on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) upgraded their ties to a special strategic partnership, firmed up a defence industrial roadmap, and vowed to expand annual trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029, as Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni held wide-ranging talks to enhance bilateral relations in the face of increasing geopolitical upheavals.
The two leaders, delving into global challenges, expressed “deep concern” over the situation in West Asia and its impact on the region as well as the rest of the world, with PM Modi calling for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Also read: PM busy handing out candies in Italy amid economic storm at home, says Congress
India and Italy have been in continuous contact over the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, said PM Modi, reiterating his call for “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the festering wars. He described India-Italy relation as a “win-win partnership” and welcomed the upgradation of bilateral ties to the level of “Special Strategic Partnership”.
PM Modi was conferred with the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and held discussions on further expanding the bilateral partnership in areas such as trade, investment, technology, critical minerals, AI, space and nuclear energy.
In a social media post, PM Modi said he discussed different aspects relating to the India-Italy friendship, including trade, investment and cultural linkages with President Mattarella.
Director-General of FAO Dr. QU Dongyu presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the FAO Agricola Medal for 2026, the Organization’s highest award, in a ceremony held in the historic FAO Plenary Hall at FAO Headquarters Rome.
DG, FAO warmly congratulated the Prime Minster, and said “the medal is in recognition of his contribution and commitment to the welfare of all people; the introduction of landmark schemes during his tenure to enhance agricultural productivity; bolstering food security, and improving farmer’s welfare; his support to FAO’s fundamental goals of fighting hunger and poverty, and attaining universal food security; the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and his efforts to prioritise agriculture on the international agenda, including during India’s G20 Presidency.”
India and Italy seek to enhance economic ties through a strategic plan, focusing on investments, digital infrastructure, and innovation.
“Prime Minister Meloni and I have reviewed the progress of the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. We have agreed on the need to further strengthen investments and economic ties,” PM Modi said on X.
“The free trade agreement between India and the EU represents a historic opportunity in this regard. We also discussed areas such as digital infrastructure, connectivity, science, artificial intelligence, and more,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Italian Prime Minister Meloni’s dedication to strengthening India-Italy ties, marking a new Special Strategic Partnership in various sectors.
“The talks with Prime Minister Meloni were excellent. Her commitment to furthering the India-Italy friendship is commendable. Bilateral ties between our nations have advanced significantly in sectors like trade, space, technology and more. In order to further deepen linkages, we have elevated our ties to a Special Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi said on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni witness the exchange of key MoUs.
PM Modi stated that the India-Italy joint strategic action plan 2025-2029 provides a practical and forward-looking framework for our bilateral relations.
“We are working on an India-Italy innovation centre,” he added.
“India and Italy have been in constant contact regarding Ukraine, West Asia, and other tensions. India’s stance is clear that all problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” said PM Modi on conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine.
Following bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni stated, “We are elevating ties to a special strategic partnership. India-Italy relations are now capable of reaching their full potential.”
“India and Italy formed a friendship based on respect and mutual trust. It is important to have freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific,” she added.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated at a joint press conference that India and Italy decided to revitalise their relations following bilateral talks on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hold a meeting in Rome.
PM Modi receives a ceremonial military honour during his visit to Italy as part of the final leg of his five-nation tour.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, talks about Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Sergio Mattarella.
“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership and held discussions in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, AI and culture,” the statement says.
“They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest”, the statement adds.
On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, “…The kind of words used by Rahul Gandhi for PM Narendra Modi show his upbringing. The Congress always use bad words for him.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds delegation-level talks with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
Reacting to the “Melody gift reel” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X says, “An economic storm is raging over our heads, and our Prime Minister is busy handing out candies in Italy!”
“Farmers, youth, women, laborers, and small traders are all in tears - the PM is laughing and making reels, while the BJP folks are clapping along,” says Mr. Gandhi
“This isn’t leadership, it’s a farce,” adds Mr. Gandhi.
India and Italy share a Special Strategic Partnership driven by innovation, shared democratic values and a common vision for the future, PM Modi writes in a joint op-ed with his Italian counterpart:
On his final day in Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Following this, he will hold bilateral engagements with his Italian counterpart, followed by the exchange of MoUs.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has called for more high-level visits from India to deepen bilateral ties and said Estonia would be “very happy” if Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the northern European country.
Mr. Tsahkna said Estonia is organising the Ukraine recovery conference in 2027 and hoped that India could also be part of the rebuilding process of the war-hit country.
“India is a very important partner for Estonia. Our scales are totally different, from 1.3 million people (Estonian population) to 1.4 billion (Indian population). India is also the largest democracy in the world. Our president (Alar Karis) was in India in February for the AI summit. Our bilateral relations are increasing in business terms,” the Estonian Foreign Minister adds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents ‘Melody’ chocolates to Italian counterpart.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Italy for the concluding leg of his five-nation tour from May 15-20.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, praises the Indian community in Italy and says, “Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, shared details of his interaction with Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, who presented him with his work on Varanasi.
PM Modi received a community welcome in Rome with five Italian artistes performing the Hamsadhwani, an Indian cultural performance played on traditional instruments.
PM Modi met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni after his arrival in Rome. “Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship,” PM Modi says in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, in a joint op-ed across several news platforms on Wednesday (May 20, 2026), outlined an expanded roadmap for cooperation between the two countries across sectors, including trade, technology, energy, space, and security, against the backdrop of an emerging “Indo-Mediterranean” corridor.
“The relationship between India and Italy has now reached a decisive stage. In recent years, our ties have expanded with unprecedented momentum, evolving from a cordial friendship into a special strategic partnership grounded in the values of freedom and democracy, and a common vision for the future,” said Mr. Modi and Ms. Meloni in the op-ed titled “A Strategic Partnership for the Indo-Mediterranean”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni joint op-ed talks about emerging “Indo-Mediterranean” corridor and pushes for €20-billion bilateral trade target by 2029.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday landed in Italy, where he will meet his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, and President Sergio Mattarella to discuss ways to boost India-Italy cooperation.
He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. This is the final leg of his five-nation tour.
PM Modi arrives in Rome to discuss enhancing India-Italy cooperation with PM Meloni and President Mattarella.
Published - May 20, 2026 10:00 am IST
India / Narendra Modi / Live news / Italy / international relations / diplomacy / trade agreements / foreign investment / international (foreign) trade
Source: The Hindu - India News
