India, Italy Entering More Demanding Phase of Bilateral Ties

September 22, 2026

As Brussels moves the trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) towards signature, India and Italy are entering a more demanding phase of their ties, with John Cabot University recently launching the first Track 1.5 dialogue to analyse how relations between the two nations have evolved over the years.

While the EU is accelerating engagement with India, bilateral ties between Rome and New Delhi have been changing rapidly in recent years.

India and Italy established a Strategic Partnership in 2023, adopted a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029 in 2024 and elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy in May. Under the new framework, a Foreign Ministers-led mechanism will monitor the implementation of the Action Plan and provide strategic guidance to the relationship.

Recently, the first Italy–India Track 1.5 Dialogue was organised by the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome. India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, attended the event’s public programme. The discussion was held under the Chatham House Rule and analysed how ties between India and Italy have changed over the years, as the two countries prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The event highlighted the economic relationship between India and Italy, whose potential extends beyond the infrastructure supporting it. Financial institutions can play a greater role in facilitating commerce between the two countries, while non-tariff barriers and regulatory differences continue to obstruct deeper economic integration.

A similar transition is taking place in defence cooperation between India and Italy. Bilateral defence ties now encompass personnel exchanges, procurement, research and development, and industrial partnerships. The two nations also engage in naval visits and training activities.

Italy and India are positioned on opposite sides of a maritime system linking the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. Protecting the trade routes running through this region is an economic and security interest for both countries. In this context, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) becomes relevant.

For Italy, IMEC provides a geographic link between its growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific and its traditional Mediterranean presence. For India, it offers another avenue to strengthen ties with European markets through the Gulf and the Mediterranean.

The 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the year dedicated to cultural tourism, both in 2027, will offer an opportunity to broaden these foundations further. The Guarini Institute intends to build on the first Track 1.5 dialogue with a larger initiative at John Cabot University next year.

The significance, however, extends beyond commemoration. With a Special Strategic Partnership, an Action Plan running through 2029, a €20 billion trade target, growing defence cooperation, the European FTA and IMEC in the background, the challenge is now to translate this framework into tangible results.

Eighty years after diplomatic relations began, Rome and New Delhi no longer need simply to reaffirm their desire for closer friendship. They need to define what, in practice, a Special Strategic Partnership can deliver.

On September 17, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, saying that both nations continue to strengthen their “deep bond of friendship” and build together a future of cooperation and prosperity.

In response, Prime Minister Modi thanked Meloni for her warm wishes and said he looked forward to close cooperation between India and Italy.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Meloni on becoming the longest-serving prime minister in Italy’s postwar history and wished her continued success in the years ahead. He appreciated her efforts to strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.