India and Italy are in constant contact over conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni (R) leave after making a statement following their meeting at the Villa Pamphili in Rome on May 20, 2026. | Photo credit: AP

India and Italy are in round-the-clock contact over conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, reiterating his call for “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the deadly wars.

Also Read: Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Italy on May 20, 2026

In a press statement in Rome at the end of his visit to Europe, Mr. Modi described the India-Italy relationship as a “partnership for both sides” and welcomed the elevation of bilateral ties to the level of a “special strategic partnership.”

“We have remained in continuous contact regarding Ukraine, West Asia and other areas of hostilities. India has a clear position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” Mr Modi said in a press statement. “I am happy that we are elevating our ties to the level of a special strategic partnership,” Mr. Modi said further.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Special Strategic Partnership will lead to enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, defence, clean energy and innovation as well as mobility of skilled and unskilled workers through safe and secure channels. The two sides also sealed a “defense industry road map”, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of critical minerals and another cooperation agreement between Italy’s Guardia di Finanza and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Agricultural research

A joint statement issued on the occasion of Mr. Modi’s visit announced that the two sides had signed an agreement on agriculture and agricultural research that will link ministries and institutions of India and Italy.

Both sides also expressed commitment to a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS”. Regarding the situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Joint Statement called for “freedom of navigation and restoration of global flows through the Strait of Hormuz.”

In a significant push, ahead of the India-Africa Forum-4 summit, both sides said they have agreed to work on selected projects trilaterally with partners in Africa.

In this regard, the joint statement said: “Recognizing the strategic priority that both countries attach to Africa, the two heads of government agreed to collaborate on tripartite initiatives with African partners in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, education, health, artificial intelligence, connectivity and infrastructure and renewable energy in line with India’s Africa Development Partnership and Italy’s Mattei Plan.

Mr. Modi pointed out that there are more than 800 Italian companies operating in India and contributing to India’s economic growth. He appreciated the support India received from Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni for concluding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. Mr. Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the conclusion of an official exchange of views in Rome.

Medal of Agricola

Mr. Modi was awarded the 2026 Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at the FAO headquarters in Rome. A press release from the ministry said that Mr. Modi received the award from Dr. Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General. “The Prime Minister recalled that as a founding member of FAO, India had the privilege of working with the organization to promote global food security, sustainable agriculture and a world without hunger,” the ministry said in a press release.

Mr. Modi also thanked FAO for working with India to “promote healthy food choices through the celebration of the International Year of Millets.”

Published – 20 May 2026 18:06 IST