Modi Concludes Italy Visit, Thanks Meloni and People for Friendship
During the visit, PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni held one-on-one and delegation-level talks focused on bilateral relations and major regional and global developments
Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Italy on Wednesday, during which India and Italy elevated their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership.”
In a post on X, PM Modi shared highlights of the visit, including the widely discussed “Melody moment,” where he gifted a set of Melody toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a sweet gesture.
“My discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni covered a wide range of sectors. A key outcome of the visit was our decision to elevate India-Italy ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, which will add new momentum to our cooperation in the years to come,” PM Modi said.
“I thank Prime Minister Meloni, the Government of Italy and the wonderful people of Italy for their friendship,” he added.
During the visit, PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni held one-on-one and delegation-level talks focused on bilateral relations and major regional and global developments.
Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, said the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across several sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, research and innovation, space, energy, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.
The leaders also discussed global challenges, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit in areas such as defence, critical technologies, connectivity, agriculture, traditional medicine, education, culture, and mobility.
George said trade and investment remained a major focus, adding that the conclusion of India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year had further boosted bilateral economic ties.
“Both sides have now set a target of increasing bilateral trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029 and encourage the private sectors to forge partnerships and invest in building resilient supply chains,” he said.
Italy marked the final leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which also included visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.