India and Italy become special strategic partners

Modi and Meloni’s joint statement

Rome (Italy) / New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a tour of Europe and is presently in Italy. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni jointly stated that relations between India and Italy have now reached a decisive turning point. Moving beyond cordial friendship, the ties have transformed into a special strategic partnership.

India expects Italy not to sell weapons to Pakistan

Following this statement, questions are being raised as to whether Italy will curb its large-scale export of weapons to Pakistan. Just last month, a meeting was held between the Defence Ministers of India and Italy. At that time, Rajnath Singh had clearly conveyed to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto that Italy should not provide its defence technology to Pakistan, citing Pakistan’s support for terrorism.

Arms trade between Italy and Pakistan

1. After China, Italy is among the major European countries supplying weapons to Pakistan.

2. Pakistan purchases large quantities of weapons from Italy for the modernisation of its military.

3. Pakistan’s share in Italian arms exports has remained around 7.5%.

4. Last year, the total cumulative value of Italy’s exports of weapons, ammunition, and spare parts to Pakistan was recorded at more than $54.1 million (approximately ₹5,240 crore).

5. Pakistan mainly purchases artillery guns, military helicopters, radars, naval systems, and large quantities of ammunition from Italy.