Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy on 19–20 May 2026, where India and Italy elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, signed a defence industrial roadmap, and set a target to expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. PM Modi was also awarded the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal for his contribution to food security and sustainable agriculture.
📌 Key Highlights of the Visit
- Dates: 19–20 May 2026 (final leg of Modi’s five-nation tour).
- Meetings:
- With Italian PM Giorgia Meloni – talks on trade, defence, clean energy, AI, critical minerals, space, and nuclear energy.
- With President Sergio Mattarella – discussions on investment, technology, and cultural linkages.
- Special Strategic Partnership: Relations upgraded to the highest level of cooperation, ensuring annual leader-level meetings and ministerial exchanges.
- Defence Roadmap: Joint declaration for co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products.
- Trade Target: Expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029 (from €14.25 billion in 2025).
- FAO Honour: Modi received the Agricola Medal, FAO’s highest award, for promoting food security and sustainable agriculture.
