India and Italy Reaffirm Strategic Partnership; PM Modi, PM Meloni Discuss Ukraine and Trade

India and Italy Reaffirm Strategic Partnership; PM Modi, PM Meloni Discuss Ukraine and Trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and expressed a shared interest in bringing an early resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s proactive support in concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU trade agreement and promoting regional connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) initiative.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, highlighting progress in key areas such as investment, defence, security, space technology, science and technology, education, cultural exchanges, and counter-terrorism collaboration.

Both leaders reiterated their pledge to strengthen the partnership further, guided by the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

The discussions also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, with both leaders emphasizing the need for a swift and peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

PM Meloni expressed Italy’s strong support for fast-tracking the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and ensuring the success of India’s 2026 AI Impact Summit. Both leaders committed to enhancing connectivity within the IMEEEC framework and advancing collaborative initiatives across multiple sectors.