New Delhi, May 20 -- India and Italy on Wednesday upgraded their ties to a special strategic partnership, firmed up a defence industrial roadmap, and vowed to expand annual trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029, as Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni held wide-ranging talks to enhance bilateral relations in the face of increasing geopolitical upheavals.

The two leaders, delving into global challenges, expressed "deep concern" over the situation in West Asia and its impact on the region as well as the rest of the world, with PM Modi calling for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders also called for freedom of navigation and the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Following...