New Delhi/Johannesburg, 24 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a significant bilateral meeting on Sunday on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, reaffirming the burgeoning strength of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership . The leaders conducted a comprehensive review of their nations' ties, expressing satisfaction with the progress made and charting a course for deeper collaboration in key sectors.

Focus on Security and Economic Cooperation

A major outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the ‘India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism’. Prime Minister Meloni expressed solidarity with India following a recent terror incident in Delhi, and both leaders committed to enhancing cooperation to combat terrorism through platforms like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The discussions also covered strengthening economic partnership, with a focus on trade, investment, and building resilient supply chains. Meloni reiterated Italy's strong support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Expanding Frontiers in Technology and Defence

The dialogue between the two leaders highlighted a shared vision for advancing cooperation in high-technology and security domains. They positively assessed developments in defence, space, science & technology, and artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Meloni also voiced support for the AI Impact Summit that India is set to host in 2026, underscoring the alignment of their strategic interests in digital and technological governance.

A Partnership of Growing Strength

Following the productive engagement, Prime Minister Modi stated, The India-Italy Strategic Partnership is growing from strength to strength, greatly benefitting the people of our nations. Both leaders noted the successful progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and welcomed the robust participation in business forums held earlier this year, setting a positive trajectory for the future of their bilateral relationship.

The meeting underscored a consistent tradition of high-level dialogue aimed at upholding shared values of democracy and sustainable development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar