Johannesburg, South Africa – PM Modi in G20 Summit: On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a pivotal meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday, reaffirming the deepening strategic partnership between India and Italy. The leaders, who had last interacted briefly at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June, used this high-level platform to enhance cooperation on security, trade, technology, and multilateral engagement.
Italy Expresses Solidarity After Delhi Terror Attack
During the discussions, PM Meloni conveyed Italy’s solidarity with India following the recent terror attack in Delhi, underlining her country’s commitment to combating global terrorism. Both leaders adopted the India–Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, a landmark framework designed to strengthen collaboration against terror networks. This initiative also reinforces coordination in key international platforms such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this move highlights India and Italy’s shared commitment to security and their determination to disrupt financial channels that fund extremist activities worldwide.
Review of India-Italy Strategic Partnership
The leaders reviewed the progress under the India–Italy Strategic Partnership, which spans multiple sectors, including trade, investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education, and people-to-people ties. Both PMs expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, signaling continued momentum in bilateral engagements.
Boosting Economic Cooperation and Innovation
Economic collaboration was a central focus of the meeting. PM Modi and PM Meloni celebrated the success of business forums held earlier this year in New Delhi and Brescia, which drew strong participation from top industry leaders. The two sides discussed ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in business, technology, innovation, and investment. Key priorities include improving economic competitiveness, fostering innovation-driven growth, and building resilient supply chains to withstand global uncertainties.
Advancing Space and Technology Collaboration
Space sector collaboration also featured prominently. The recent visit of an Italian space delegation to India is expected to expand partnerships at both government and private sector levels. PM Modi and PM Meloni highlighted joint projects in space technology and innovation, reflecting India’s growing footprint in high-tech industries and Italy’s interest in leveraging this expertise.
Support for India-EU Free Trade Agreement and AI Impact Summit
PM Meloni reiterated Italy’s strong support for a mutually beneficial India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to create significant opportunities for trade and investment. She also welcomed India’s plan to host the AI Impact Summit in 2026, a global initiative aimed at driving innovation and fostering international collaboration in artificial intelligence.
Reinforcing Multilateral Engagement and Shared Values
The meeting reaffirmed the tradition of regular high-level engagement between India and Italy. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to working closely on global and multilateral platforms, promoting shared values such as democracy, rule of law, and sustainable development.
Experts note that bilateral dialogues on the sidelines of global summits, including the G20, play a crucial role in shaping India’s strategic outreach. The Modi-Meloni discussions demonstrate India’s proactive approach to tackling security challenges, promoting economic resilience, and advancing multilateral cooperation.
Fighting Terrorism Through Joint Action
The India–Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism is a strategic effort to disrupt the financial mechanisms that support terrorist activities. By aligning efforts through FATF and GCTF, India and Italy aim to strengthen global security, enhance counter-terrorism coordination, and safeguard international financial systems from misuse by extremist networks.
Strengthening Trade, Technology, and Innovation
Trade and investment are central to the India-Italy relationship. The two countries are exploring innovative collaboration in technology, space, and industrial sectors, focusing on sustainable growth and resilient supply chains. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy designed to enhance competitiveness and strengthen industrial partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world.
PM Modi in G20 Summit: India’s Global Leadership
The meeting between PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni underscores India’s growing role in global diplomacy. By prioritizing partnerships with countries like Italy, India is reinforcing its commitment to security, economic development, and multilateral cooperation. Observers believe these discussions will have far-reaching implications, from bolstering trade ties to enhancing international counter-terrorism frameworks.
In conclusion, the bilateral talks at the G20 Summit highlight India and Italy’s shared vision for a safer, more innovative, and economically resilient world. The outcomes of this engagement reaffirm India’s position as a key global player and demonstrate the strategic importance of high-level interactions in shaping international partnerships.
