PM Modi Concludes Italy Visit, Thanks Meloni and Italian People for Warm Friendship

May 21, 2026

Rome, Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Italy on Wednesday, marking the final leg of his five-nation tour. During the visit, India and Italy elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.

Sharing highlights of the visit on X, PM Modi thanked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Italian government and the people of Italy for their friendship and hospitality.

Concluding a very productive visit to Italy. My discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni covered a wide range of sectors. A key outcome of the visit was our decision to elevate India-Italy ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, which will add new momentum to our… pic.twitter.com/3zjtt6uVeL

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2026

“My discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni covered a wide range of sectors. A key outcome of the visit was our decision to elevate India-Italy ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, which will add new momentum to our cooperation in the years to come,” PM Modi stated.

India and Italy Expand Cooperation Across Key Sectors

During the visit, PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni held both one-on-one and delegation-level talks focusing on bilateral relations, global developments and regional issues.

According to MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, research and innovation, space, energy, artificial intelligence, education, culture and people-to-people ties.

The leaders also discussed pressing international challenges, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit in areas including defence, critical technologies, connectivity, agriculture, traditional medicine, education, mobility and cultural cooperation.

Trade Target Set at Euro 20 Billion by 2029

Trade and investment emerged as a major focus during the discussions, with both countries aiming to boost economic ties following the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year.

Officials said India and Italy have now set a target of increasing bilateral trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029 while encouraging stronger private sector partnerships and resilient supply chains.

PM Modi also shared a light-hearted “Melody moment” during the visit, where he gifted a set of Melody toffees to Giorgia Meloni, drawing attention on social media.

Before arriving in Italy, PM Modi had visited the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway as part of his five-nation diplomatic tour.