bilateral engagements

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Narendra Modi to Rome for discussions aimed at elevating bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. The visit focuses on strengthening cooperation, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and includes plans for annual summits and a trade target of 20 billion euros by 2029.

India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

India and Italy have forged a Special Strategic Partnership, revitalizing defence and industrial ties. A new roadmap prioritizes co-development and co-production of military systems, including helicopters and naval platforms, aligning with India's 'Make in India' vision. This collaboration also extends to counterterrorism and space exploration, marking a significant step forward for both nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed his participation in the national capital. This visit marks a significant diplomatic event for India amidst global geopolitical shifts and growing BRICS collaboration. Details on his schedule are anticipated.

India and the US have signed a bilateral framework to secure supplies, mining, and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements. This agreement aims to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, fostering collaboration on financing and management of these vital resources. The pact underscores the strategic importance of the growing partnership between the two nations.

India and Canada are accelerating free trade agreement negotiations, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Both nations are committed to deepening economic ties, with a "Team Canada" business delegation set to visit India later this year to explore new opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi's five-nation tour secured nearly $40 billion in investment, with over 50 global firms pledging fresh capital and expansion. Key sectors like semiconductors, defence, and energy saw significant commitments. India elevated ties with the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, fostering strategic partnerships and boosting economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi's Netherlands visit concluded with a strategic partnership upgrade, marked by 17 key outcomes. A significant development includes Tata Electronics' pact with ASML for a semiconductor facility in Dholera, boosting India's ambitions. Modi also lauded the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi wrapped up his tour in Sweden with a monumental advancement in India-Sweden relations, officially turning it into a Strategic Partnership. Highlights of this collaboration include a detailed action plan for the upcoming years (2026-2030) and a groundbreaking partnership on AI and quantum computing.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new 'America First' visa scheduling system in India, prioritizing business professionals and investors crucial to US economic and strategic interests. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expedite travel for those contributing to trade and investment, while also emphasizing stricter security screenings for all applicants.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh is on a crucial multi-nation tour to Vietnam and South Korea, aiming to bolster strategic military ties, defense industry partnerships, and maritime collaboration. This visit follows recent high-level dialogues, underscoring India's commitment to enhancing security and stability within the Indo-Pacific region through strengthened bilateral engagements.

A US delegation is expected to visit India next month for trade negotiations concerning a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This visit follows earlier discussions in Washington D.C. to finalize details of an interim trade pact and advance broader BTA negotiations. Both nations are committed to a mutually beneficial trade framework, with the agreement anticipated at an opportune time.