India and Italy Strengthen Bilateral Relations with 'Special Strategic Partnership'

Rome, India and Italy have begun a new golden chapter in their bilateral relations. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first bilateral visit to Italy, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a'Special Strategic Partnership ', taking it to the highest level. During this historic summit in Rome, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni accorded a grand and warm welcome to PM Modi. Meloni said that this is the first bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Italy in 26 years, since 2000, which will give a new energy to the relationship by bridging the gap between the two countries. In a joint press conference after the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Meloni pledged to take economic cooperation to new heights. She said, "Our goal is to increase bilateral trade from the current level of 14 billion euros (about ₹1, 569.3 billion) to 20 billion euros (about ₹2, 241.85 billion) by 2029." This is a very ambitious target, which will be achieved with the help of 400 European Union signatories and Italian producers.