Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rome on Tuesday for the final stage of a five-nation diplomatic tour. He is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni before returning to India on Wednesday.
Strengthening India-Italy Ties
The visit focuses on enhancing cooperation between the two nations, with a specific emphasis on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Both leaders are expected to review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
PM Modi will visit the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). This engagement is intended to strengthen India’s commitment to global food security and multilateralism.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
India and Italy are currently expanding their partnership across several sectors, including clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and defence and security. This collaboration also extends to investment and people-to-people exchanges.
Economic ties have seen significant figures, with bilateral trade reaching $16.77 billion in 2025. Between April 2000 and September 2025, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stood at $3.66 billion.
The India-Nordic Partnership
Prior to arriving in Rome, the Prime Minister visited Oslo, Norway, for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. During this leg of the tour, he met with leaders from Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, and Norway.
Discussions in Oslo centered on artificial intelligence, Arctic research, defence collaboration, and climate action. The nations also focused on trade and innovation in green technology.
As a result of these talks, India and the Nordic countries elevated their relationship to a “Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.” This move reaffirms a shared commitment to sustainable development goals and democratic values.
Tour Itinerary and Scope
The visit to Norway marked the fourth stop of the five-country journey. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the Oslo visit opened a “new chapter” in partnerships with Norway and the Nordic region.
The full five-nation tour included visits to the following countries:
- UAE
- The Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
- Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary objectives of PM Modi’s visit to Italy?
The visit aims to boost India-Italy cooperation, specifically focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), reviewing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, and addressing global food security at the FAO Headquarters.
What was the outcome of the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo?
India and the Nordic countries elevated their ties to a “Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership,” focusing on cooperation in green technology, climate action, AI, and Arctic research.
What is the current state of trade between India and Italy?
Bilateral trade reached $16.77 billion in 2025, with cumulative FDI totaling $3.66 billion from April 2000 to September 2025.
How might the new Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership impact global sustainability efforts?