Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to Italy, emphasized the significant strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Italy, while in a joint press statement delivered alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, PM Modi highlighted that the bond between the two nations has reached new heights. He noted that defense cooperation has seen a substantial increase and mentioned that work is currently underway on the India-Italy Innovation Center, which aims to foster technological and creative collaboration.
A Meeting of Ancient Civilizations
' He drew a symbolic parallel with his own parliamentary constituency in India, Kashi (Varanasi), which is also known as an eternal city. PM Modi remarked that when two such ancient civilizations meet, their discussions aren't confined to a mere agenda. Instead, these dialogues reflect the profound depth of history, provide a glimpse into a shared future, and demonstrate the simplicity and warmth of a genuine friendship.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
5 years, he has had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni on 7 different occasions. He stated that this frequency of interaction reflects the continuous and strong cooperation between India and Italy. Addressing the global challenge of terrorism, PM Modi asserted that it remains a serious threat to humanity. He emphasized that responsible democracies don't merely criticize terrorism but take active steps against it. He welcomed the fact that Italy stands firmly with India in the fight against terror financing.
A Historic Milestone in Diplomacy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in her address, stated that the relationship has now been elevated to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership, which represents the highest tier of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. She remarked that Italy and India are now closer than ever before, and the relationship is finally capable of realizing its full potential. 5 years, which allowed both leaders to understand each other's perspectives deeply.
Personal Rapport and Leadership
PM Meloni expressed her personal appreciation for PM Modi's vision, his practical approach, and his leadership. She noted that his continued popularity among Indian citizens, even after many years in government, is a testament to his leadership. She credited their personal friendship for the speed at which bilateral work has progressed. Highlighting the historical significance of the visit, she mentioned that while PM Modi has led India since 2014, this is his first bilateral visit to Italy. She pointed out that the last bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister took place in 2000, exactly 26 years ago. By making this visit, both nations aren't only filling a long-standing gap but have also decided to breathe new life into their relations.
Indo-Pacific and Maritime Security
Following the discussions, PM Meloni reiterated that the India-Italy relationship is built on mutual respect and trust. She emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region, signaling a shared commitment to maritime security and international law. The joint statement concluded with a firm resolve to continue building on this foundation to ensure that the partnership reaches its highest possible level of cooperation across all sectors.