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Meloni and Modi Discuss Special Strategic Partnership and Global Cooperation

Thursday, May 21, 2026
5 min read
Meloni and Modi Discuss Special Strategic Partnership and Global Cooperation

Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, dropped a Hindi proverb during a joint press conference with Narendra Modi in Rome. It was a moment where they officially bumped up their relationship to a "Special Strategic Partnership."

She brought up the connection between the two nations. She quoted the phrase, “Parishram Hi Safalta Ki Kunji Hai”—hard work is the key to success. It felt pointed.

This wasn't an isolated thing. It sort of fits into a pattern. Days before, Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir also used the Hindi word “sambandh”—relationship or connection—while talking to Modi. It seems there’s a growing habit of foreign leaders pulling from Indian cultural references during these high-level chats with New Delhi.

Meloni used the saying to frame their connection. She said, “We built our relations this way, with hard work which becomes successful.” A simple statement, but it carried weight.

Modi, for his part, seemed pleased. He mentioned having seen plenty of opportunities to meet Meloni over the years. He framed the growing engagement as showing the “close cooperation and harmony” between India and Italy.

“Under her leadership, our relations have gained new momentum, a new direction and renewed confidence,” Modi said when announcing the partnership elevation.

The focus quickly shifted to what they were actually doing. Meloni tied the proverb into the ongoing expansion of ties across trade, tech, innovation, defense, and connectivity.

They talked about the real stuff. Artificial intelligence, quantum tech, space, energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, and maritime transport. These are the areas where they are trying to strengthen cooperation.

India and Italy see immense potential here. Modi called technology and innovation the “engines” of the partnership. They shared this potential in areas like AI, quantum technology, space, and civil nuclear energy.

There were concrete plans too. Meloni mentioned setting up an India-Italy Innovation Centre in New Delhi. The idea is to link up startups, universities, research institutes, and industries from both sides.

On the trade side, Meloni put some numbers down. Bilateral trade is currently sitting at 14 billion euros. She expressed hope it could hit 22 billion euros by 2029. That hinges partly on the proposed India-European Union free trade aGreement.

Modi thanked Italy for pushing for that FTA. He stressed that both sides need to work fast on implementing it so businesses can actually see the benefits.

Then there was the IMEC. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The Italian leader emphasized this cooperation. Both sides see the corridor as vital for trade, connectivity, and growth.

Globally, they touched on stability. Meloni noted that India and Italy share common ground on international stability, economic security, supply chains, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

They also touched on the messy stuff—the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. They both stressed that dialogue and diplomacy must remain central. It’s always there.

Written by Gree News Team — Senior Editorial Board

Gree News Team covers international news and global affairs at Gree News. Our collective of senior editors is dedicated to providing independent, accurate, and responsible journalism for a global audience.

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