India and Italy Deepen Strategic Partnership, Advance Defence and Critical Minerals Cooperation at G7 Engagements

India and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with both countries advancing cooperation in defence, critical minerals, trade, technology, and connectivity during high-level engagements held alongside the G7 Summit.

The discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored the growing momentum in India-Italy relations, building on recent efforts to elevate the partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. The two leaders reviewed progress across key sectors and explored new avenues for collaboration amid evolving global economic and geopolitical dynamics.

A major focus of the dialogue was defence cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing industrial collaboration, promoting co-development and co-production initiatives, and expanding opportunities for defence technology partnerships. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening security cooperation and building resilient defence supply chains.

Critical minerals also emerged as a key area of cooperation. Recognising the strategic importance of minerals essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, India and Italy agreed to deepen collaboration in securing sustainable and reliable supply chains. The partnership is expected to support both countries’ energy transition goals while reducing vulnerabilities in global supply networks.

Beyond defence and minerals, the leaders discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and investment. Efforts are underway to increase business-to-business engagement, encourage innovation, and facilitate greater economic exchanges between the two nations. Cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, digital technologies, infrastructure, manufacturing, and research was also highlighted as a priority.

The two countries further reiterated their support for connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to strengthen trade links and economic integration across regions. Both leaders noted the corridor’s potential to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and create new opportunities for international commerce.

India and Italy have witnessed growing diplomatic and economic engagement in recent years, with bilateral trade continuing to expand and cooperation broadening across multiple sectors. The latest discussions reflect a shared vision of fostering innovation, strengthening strategic autonomy, and promoting sustainable development through closer partnership.

As global supply chains undergo transformation and countries seek trusted partners for future growth, India and Italy appear poised to deepen their collaboration further, reinforcing a relationship that is increasingly becoming a significant pillar of their broader international engagement.