NEW DELHI: India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership, launched a defence industrial roadmap, and signed an agreement for cooperation in critical minerals as Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hosted her counterpart Narendra Modi for talks during the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in 26 years. There were 12 other outcomes from the visit, including an MoU to prevent tax crimes and money laundering, and an MoU to boost connectivity through cooperation in maritime transport and ports. Both leaders backed the IndiaMiddle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project and called for concrete steps to advance the initiative in 2026. More than the outcomes though, it was the display of what Meloni described as her genuine friendship with Modi based on mutual respect and trust that attracted attention, as PM Modi gifted her ‘Melody’ toffees and the leaders posed for a selfie at the famed Colosseum. The PM also extended an invite to Meloni to visit India, which she accepted. In a joint statement, the Italian PM joined Modi in strongly condemning crossborder terrorism, including the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack. With both countries maintaining a significant presence in Africa, they also agreed to work together on “concrete” projects there, including in healthcare, connectivity, AI and renewable energy. In his media statement, Modi said that close cooperation in defence and security was a symbol of deep mutual trust between India and Italy. “Cooperation is increasing between the defence industries of both the countries as well as between our armies. Our defence industrial roadmap has paved the way for co-development and co-production,” he said.India, Italy renew joint resolve to fight terrorAccording to the joint statement, the roadmap will promote technological cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, including for helicopters, naval platforms, marine armament and electronic warfare. “They also recognised the importance of protecting critical infrastructures and their related supply chains through the strengthening of industrial resilience,” it said, adding that PM Modi and Meloni agreed to launch a maritime security dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Underlining India’s position on terrorism, Modi said both countries agreed terrorism posed a serious challenge to humanity and their joint initiative against terror-financing had set an important example for the entire world. “India and Italy have sent a clear message that responsible democracies not only condemn terrorism but also take concrete steps to disrupt its financial networks,” PM Modi said, as the joint statement reiterated the shared commitment to work together at the UN, FATF and other multilateral platforms against terrorism. PM Modi and Meloni expressed concern over the situation in Ukraine and West Asia, with Modi reiterating India’s position that all problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. They also called for freedom of navigation and resumption of global flows through the Strait of Hormuz, said the joint statement. PM Modi described technology and innovation as the engines of the India-Italy partnership. “There is immense potential for our cooperation in areas like AI, quantum, space and civil nuclear energy,” he said. “India is recognised as a powerhouse of scale, talent and affordable innovation. Therefore, we will move forward on the principle of Design and Develop in India and Italy, and Deliver for the World. From fashion to fintech, leather to logistics, mobility to manufacturing, we will combine our strengths in every sector to work for the benefit of entire humanity,” added the PM. In the MoU for critical minerals cooperation, the two countries agreed to establish a structured framework for collaboration, with emphasis on sustainability and resilient supply chains.