Modi and Meloni reaffirmed India–Italy Strategic Partnership, backed EU trade talks, supported IMEEEC connectivity, and called for peaceful resolution of Ukraine war, highlighting growing diplomatic and personal rapport….reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a wide-ranging conversation with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership while aligning on pressing international concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Taking to X, Modi described the interaction as “excellent,” noting that both leaders “reaffirmed our joint commitment to deepen the India–Italy Strategic Partnership, and shared interest in bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine.” He also expressed gratitude to Meloni for Italy’s proactive support in accelerating negotiations for an India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and backing the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC), which is poised to reshape connectivity and trade routes between Asia and Europe.
Expanding strategic partnership
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Modi and Meloni positively assessed the progress made in bilateral relations under their Strategic Partnership framework. The two leaders reviewed cooperation across multiple areas including defence, investment, counter-terrorism, space, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their alignment with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, which is expected to serve as a roadmap for expanding collaboration over the next five years. This framework includes goals in innovation, co-production in defence, space exploration, green transition, and cyber security.
The MEA noted that India and Italy agreed to intensify work on connectivity projects, particularly under the IMEEEC initiative, which has been described as a key geopolitical response to global supply chain vulnerabilities.
Shared stance on Ukraine
A key focus of the dialogue was the conflict in Ukraine. Modi and Meloni agreed on the importance of pursuing an early and peaceful resolution to the crisis. Modi reiterated India’s full support for diplomatic and negotiated outcomes, a position New Delhi has maintained consistently on the international stage.
Meloni, meanwhile, underscored Italy’s commitment to working with the EU and partners like India to press for stability and dialogue. The MEA said both leaders “agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.”
EU trade Talks and AI summit
Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s strong backing for the early conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides see as a cornerstone of expanding economic relations. Progress on the FTA has been uneven over the years, but Italian support has been key in pushing negotiations forward within the EU framework.
The Italian Prime Minister also expressed her support for the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in 2026. The summit is expected to bring together leaders, technologists and businesses to set global standards and governance frameworks for artificial intelligence.
Beyond policy, the Modi–Meloni relationship has captured public attention. Their interactions at global events, from the G7 to COP28, have become viral social media moments, leading to the trending hashtag #Melodi—a playful fusion of their names.
During the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June, cameras captured Modi and Meloni sharing a light exchange, reinforcing their warm personal rapport. At COP28 in Dubai, Meloni posted a selfie with Modi captioned “Good friends at COP28, #Melodi,” further fuelling online buzz about their camaraderie.
The leaders’ repeated encounters signal not just professional alignment but also an easy personal chemistry that has become symbolic of the growing warmth in India–Italy ties.
Cultural connect
The conversation came against the backdrop of deepening cultural ties. Recently, the Indian community in Camporotondo, Italy, expressed its gratitude to Modi for highlighting the installation of a Maharshi Valmiki statue in his Mann ki Baat broadcast. The statue was gifted by India to the town, strengthening cultural links between the two countries.
The Indian Embassy in Italy posted on X that the community “appreciated the Government of India’s gesture of gifting the statue, which strengthens India–Italy friendship and cultural ties.”
India and Italy, both ancient civilisations with rich cultural legacies, established diplomatic relations in 1947. In 2023, the two nations marked 75 years of their relationship with high-level visits and initiatives.
Meloni’s state visit to India in March 2023 marked a turning point, with bilateral relations elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership. During the Raisina Dialogue, she and Modi agreed on collaboration in green energy, blue economy, cyber security, and innovation. A start-up bridge was also created to link entrepreneurs and innovators from both nations.
Later that year, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Modi and Meloni met again to discuss enhanced cooperation in defence and emerging technologies. The meetings laid the groundwork for a more ambitious partnership that extends beyond economics to address global governance, climate change, and security concerns.
