Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Italy’s Apulia region marks a significant moment in India-Italy relations. PM Modi is scheduled to attend the outreach session of the G7 Summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among other world leaders. This meeting holds special significance as it represents PM Modi’s first foreign trip since being sworn in for his third term on June 9.
PM Modi and PM Meloni have established a strong friendship, often referring to each other as ‘good friends.’ Meloni’s warm gesture of greeting delegates and heads of government with ‘namaste’ at the G7 Summit reflects the deepening bond between the two leaders. Their camaraderie has been evident at various events, including the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September.
Beyond personal connections, PM Modi and PM Meloni have actively worked to strengthen India-Italy ties. Notably, they have elevated the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, established a startup bridge between Indian and Italian companies, and addressed the issue of the India-Middle East Europe economic corridor. Italy’s decision to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative underscores the growing strategic convergence between the two countries.
India-Italy relations have come a long way since the challenges faced in the past. The two countries have witnessed a surge in bilateral trade, with Italy being India’s fourth largest trading partner in the EU. Over 600 large Italian companies operate in India, spanning various sectors. Italian brands like Fiat, Piaggio, Ferrero Roche, KinderJoy, and Tic Tac have become household names in India.
PM Meloni has conveyed her government’s desire to revive defence ties with India, recognizing the opportunities for collaboration in defence manufacturing and co-production. PM Modi has echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for stronger defence cooperation between the two nations.
