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India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership”, outlining a broader framework for cooperation across trade, defence manufacturing, logistics connectivity, critical minerals and supply chain resilience. The announcement followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
As part of the agreement, both countries set a target of increasing bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029 from current levels of around €14 billion. The two sides also approved a defence industrial roadmap aimed at expanding co-development and co-production initiatives in sectors including naval systems, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
The discussions placed significant emphasis on connectivity and supply chain security, particularly through the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Italy, viewed as a key European gateway in the corridor project, is expected to play a larger role in strengthening maritime trade links, port connectivity and energy transport networks between India and Europe.
Both governments also signed agreements covering critical minerals, maritime transport, agriculture, financial crime prevention and scientific cooperation. The critical minerals pact is expected to support long-term sourcing and processing partnerships tied to clean energy technologies, electronics manufacturing and strategic industries.
In a joint statement, the leaders highlighted the importance of resilient global value chains amid geopolitical disruptions and changing trade patterns. Italy has increasingly positioned India as a strategic economic partner as European nations seek to diversify manufacturing and sourcing networks beyond traditional supply bases.
The visit also resulted in discussions on expanding cooperation in ports, green energy, advanced technology, mobility of skilled workers and higher education. Officials from both countries indicated that the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 will serve as the operational roadmap for implementing the agreements signed during the visit.
Modi’s Italy visit marked the final leg of his multi-country Europe tour and his first standalone bilateral visit to Italy in more than two decades. The upgraded partnership reflects growing alignment between India and European economies on trade diversification, industrial cooperation and strategic infrastructure development.
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Snack food manufacturer Mondelēz International is increasing the use of automation and artificial intelligence across its U.S. distribution network as part of a broader effort to lower operating costs and improve supply chain efficiency. The company plans to introduce AI-enabled automation at as many as five distribution centers that support its direct-store-delivery network, according to comments made by executives during a recent earnings call. The facilities collectively serve 55 branch locations across the company’s distribution system. Executives said the upgraded fulfillment centers are expected to speed up deliveries to retail outlets, reduce inventory levels and improve overall operational performance. The move forms part of a wider modernization strategy aimed at streamlining manufacturing and logistics operations in the United States. Mondelēz also said it is reshaping portions of its manufacturing footprint. Around 60% of its U.S. production network has already been modernized, while older facilities are being simplified to improve productivity and reduce waste. Company executives indicated that some plants would move away from highly complex production systems in favor of more focused manufacturing lines better suited to individual site capabilities. The company is additionally working to bring more manufacturing and packaging operations in-house. Executives said internalizing production currently handled by co-manufacturers could deliver significant savings. Packaging for mixed cookie and cracker packs, which is a key category for warehouse club retailers is also being shifted internally to reduce inefficiencies and improve flexibility. The supply chain investments are tied to a broader multiyear transformation program launched in 2024. Mondelēz is midway through a $1.2 billion overhaul of its ERP and supply chain systems, a project expected to continue through 2028. The initiative includes upgrades to production capacity, packaging operations and network flexibility across its biscuit, cake and pastry businesses. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
The crisis in the Middle East doesn't seem to end anytime soon, and the ongoing conflict has already created a fuel and energy shortage across the globe. Now, as per the Indian shipping ministry, the conflict in West Asia has pushed the shipping freight charges for cargo for the war-torn region up nearly ten times in the case of containers and more than doubled rates for Liquefied Petroleum Gas and crude oil. Average maritime freight charges for LPG have risen to about $207 per tonne as of May 15 from $94 per tonne before the war, while crude oil freight charges have risen to $28.6 per tonne from $14 per tonne. Freight costs for containers have soared to $2,000 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), compared to $203 before the war. The hike in charges is because of things like uncertainty and increased risks in the region. Asked about the issue, the additional secretary in the shipping ministry, Mukesh Mangal, said the ministry is closely watching the rates and has issued an advisory on transparency in shipping prices. As per the reports, the war has resulted in a fall in average monthly shipping services from Indian ports to West Asia from 444 vessels to just 125. Data indicate that the maritime freight charges have been rising in the case of LPG since the conflict broke out, in the case of crude and container, the rates had peaked by the end of April. As of May 15, there has been a slight moderation. “This situation is dynamic, and we are closely monitoring developments. Freight charges will come down once the war is over', said an official. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Europe, stated India is rapidly working with international partners to build robust energy supply chains, aiming to cut the energy crunch that arose from the current geopolitical crises. During his visit to the Netherlands, PM Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian community, calling the current era a decade of calamities and uncertainty. Modi highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent wars, and now an energy crisis, warning that if the current scenario is not resolved quickly, years of progress and achievements could be lost, delivering a huge blow to the global economy. Speaking about the challenges facing the international community, the Indian Prime Minister said humanity is going through an exceptionally turbulent phase with uncertainty and economic stress. He added that the world first faced the Coronavirus Pandemic, followed by geopolitical conflicts and energy concerns, and these overlapping crises are testing the resilience of the global system, while warning of the consequences of inaction. Further, he said that unless we unite, the world will not be able to address the challenge of global security. PM Modi's remarks came during his address to the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands, where he highlighted the growing strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation between India and the Netherlands. The Indian Prime Minister is currently on a five-nation visit from May 15 to May 20, with the UAE being the first stop of the diplomatic tour. Earlier, during his meeting with the senior leadership of A.P. Moller–Maersk in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s growing push to modernise its maritime ecosystem and position itself as a major global logistics and shipping hub. During the interaction, PM Modi met Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla on the sidelines of his engagements in Sweden, where he has been holding talks with European industry leaders and government officials. Discussions reportedly centred on opportunities for investments in India’s ports, logistics infrastructure, and sustainable maritime solutions. The talks assume significance as India accelerates efforts under its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at transforming the country’s shipping and logistics capabilities through port-led development, improved multimodal connectivity, and adoption of green technologies. The government has been actively engaging global maritime companies to attract investments and technological expertise into the sector. For more such news and updates, follow CARGOCONNECT.
