India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · ITALY
India & Italy
EU & G7 PARTNERSTRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPDEFENCE COOPERATIONLUXURY GOODS TRADEINDIA-EU BTIAFINMECCANICA CONTROVERSY
India and Italy have maintained strategic and economic ties since independence, elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. Italy is an EU and G7 member, a major source of machinery, luxury goods and high-end manufacturing technology for India, and a destination for Indian IT services and pharmaceutical exports. The bilateral relationship has been significantly shadowed by the Finmeccanica (Leonardo) VVIP helicopter controversy since 2012, which resulted in the cancellation of a major contract and a decade-long legal and diplomatic dispute. PM Meloni's active G7 and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) engagement has reinvigorated the political relationship.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Italy actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY2023-24 approximate figures from DGFT and ICE Agenzia. Italy runs a trade surplus with India driven by high-value machinery, luxury goods and chemicals. Services trade (IT, tourism) adds significant additional bilateral flows not captured in goods data.
~$15bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
~$6bn
India exports to country
~$9bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$15bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1947, in 8 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Italy relations are in a positive phase following the 2021 Strategic Partnership and the resolution of both the Enrica Lexie and AgustaWestland disputes. PM Meloni's government has been actively engaged with India on IMEC, trade and investment. Bilateral trade at ~$15 billion is growing. Leonardo (Finmeccanica successor) continues to pursue Indian defence contracts, though with heightened scrutiny. The India-EU BTIA, if concluded, would provide the most significant structural boost to the commercial relationship.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalRome
Population59 million
RegionEurope
Diplomatic tiesSince 1947
Indian diaspora~180,000
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