India and Italy have been in continuous contact over Ukraine and West Asia conflicts: PM Modi
India and Italy formally elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of "Special Strategic Partnership" during high-level talks in Rome on May 20, 202...
What Happened
- India and Italy formally elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of "Special Strategic Partnership" during high-level talks in Rome on May 20, 2026.
- Both countries acknowledged they have maintained continuous diplomatic contact on the Ukraine conflict and ongoing tensions in West Asia, signaling convergence on global peace efforts.
- The partnership was described as a "win-win" framework covering trade, technology, defence, and global governance, reflecting shared interests across multiple domains.
- The joint engagement on geopolitical conflicts underscores India's growing role as a bridge between the Global South and the Western world.
- Both sides issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and the rule of international law in resolving ongoing conflicts.
Static Topic Bridges
India's Strategic Autonomy and Non-Alignment
India's foreign policy is anchored in the doctrine of strategic autonomy — the ability to make independent decisions on international issues without being bound by the positions of any single bloc. While India maintains close ties with both Western nations and Russia, it has consistently called for dialogue-based resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
- India abstained on multiple UN General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine (2022 onwards), citing the need for diplomatic solutions.
- India has maintained its position that the conflict must be resolved through negotiation, not military escalation, and has offered itself as a potential mediator.
- India's stand on West Asia similarly emphasises ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a two-state solution framework.
- This approach reflects the legacy of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) principles — non-interference, peaceful coexistence, and sovereign equality — while updating them for the 21st century.
Connection to this news: India's continuous contact with Italy on both conflict theatres demonstrates how India uses bilateral diplomatic channels with European partners to maintain relevance in global peace diplomacy, even as it preserves its strategic autonomy.
India's Role in Ukraine Conflict Diplomacy
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India has occupied a delicate but strategically valuable diplomatic position. India has continued oil imports from Russia while also expanding economic and defence ties with Western nations. This balancing act has drawn both criticism and engagement from Western partners.
- India's PM met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Kyiv in August 2024 — the first visit by an Indian PM to Ukraine — and presented India's peace formula.
- India participated in the Switzerland-hosted Ukraine peace summit (June 2024) as an observer, but did not sign the joint communiqué.
- The India-EU Strategic Partnership dialogue includes dedicated tracks on global conflicts.
- G7 and G20 summits have been key forums where India-Europe coordination on Ukraine is tested.
Connection to this news: The explicit mention of continuous India-Italy contact on Ukraine signals that Italy, as a G7 member, values India's position and uses bilateral channels to align positions ahead of multilateral forums.
India's West Asia Policy
India's West Asia (Middle East) policy is shaped by four core interests: energy security (India imports ~44% of its crude oil from the region), diaspora welfare (approximately 9 million Indians live in the Gulf), trade and remittances, and geopolitical access. India has historically maintained friendly relations with both Arab states and Israel.
- India is the world's third-largest oil importer and relies heavily on Gulf nations for energy supply.
- Remittances from the Indian diaspora in the Gulf exceed USD 50 billion annually.
- India has called for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- India's support for IMEC also intersects with its West Asia policy, as the corridor passes through UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel/Jordan.
Connection to this news: India-Italy coordination on West Asia reflects alignment on humanitarian principles and rules-based order, even as both countries navigate complex relationships with actors across the region.
Key Facts & Data
- India-Italy relationship tier (new): Special Strategic Partnership (May 2026)
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine: February 24, 2022
- India PM visit to Ukraine: August 2024 (Kyiv)
- Switzerland Ukraine peace summit: June 2024
- India's crude oil import dependence on West Asia/Gulf: approximately 44%
- Indian diaspora in Gulf region: approximately 9 million
- Gulf remittances to India: over USD 50 billion annually
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) founded: 1961, Belgrade
- India's founding role in NAM: One of the five founding nations (Jawaharlal Nehru)
- Italy is a G7 member; India is a G20 member (India held G20 presidency in 2023)