PM Modi and Meloni outline new India-Italy partnership roadmap in joint article

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome for high-level talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The two leaders jointly unveiled an expansive vision for a deeper India-Italy strategic partnership, positioning both countries as key pillars connecting Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

In a joint article published ahead of their bilateral meeting, Modi and Meloni said ties between India and Italy had entered a “decisive stage”, evolving from a traditional friendship into what they described as a “special strategic partnership” rooted in democratic values, economic cooperation and a shared geopolitical outlook.

The two leaders framed the relationship within the broader emergence of what they termed the “Indo-Mediterranean” region — a strategic and economic corridor linking the Indian Ocean with Europe through trade, energy, technology and infrastructure networks.

“The Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific are no longer separate theatres,” the leaders wrote, describing the Indo-Mediterranean as a growing hub for “trade, technology, energy, data and ideas”.

A major focus of the joint vision was the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), first announced during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023. Modi and Meloni described the corridor as a transformational connectivity project designed to strengthen transport infrastructure, digital systems, energy cooperation and resilient supply chains across regions.

According to the article, both governments are committed to working closely with international partners to accelerate the implementation of the corridor and deepen economic integration between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The leaders also highlighted growing business and industrial cooperation between the two countries. Referring to India’s manufacturing ambitions and Italy’s global reputation for industrial excellence, they stressed the compatibility between the “Make in India” initiative and the globally recognised “Made in Italy” brand.

Over 1,000 Indian and Italian companies are now operating across both economies, the article noted, reflecting expanding collaboration in manufacturing, technology, engineering and supply-chain development.

Artificial intelligence and digital governance also featured prominently in the joint roadmap. Modi and Meloni called for the development of ethical AI systems that protect democratic institutions and individual freedoms.

“Technology cannot replace individuals or undermine their fundamental rights, nor be used to manipulate public debate or alter democratic processes,” the two leaders wrote, advocating for an AI framework centred on “freedom and human dignity”.

The article further connected the partnership to broader civilisational values, referencing India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — alongside Italy’s Renaissance traditions of humanism and openness.

“Our shared vision aims to lay the foundation for a strong and forward-looking India-Italy partnership with our people at the centre,” the leaders wrote.

The joint piece comes ahead of bilateral talks expected to focus on trade expansion, defence cooperation, clean energy, connectivity and emerging technologies. Reports also suggest both countries are expected to adopt a roadmap for annual summit-level engagements and work towards significantly expanding bilateral trade in the coming years.