Prime Minister Meets Italian Prime Minister on the Sidelines of G20 Summit 2025
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Ms. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two leaders had previously interacted briefly during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in Canada earlier in June this year.
Discussion on Counterterrorism Cooperation
Prime Minister Meloni conveyed solidarity with India regarding the terror incident in Delhi and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to cooperation aimed at addressing terrorism. In this context, the leaders adopted the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism. The initiative is intended to enhance bilateral efforts to counter terrorism and strengthen collaboration in global and multilateral forums, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
Review of Bilateral Strategic Partnership
The leaders reviewed developments under the bilateral Strategic Partnership across areas such as trade and investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education, and people-to-people connections. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.
Business and Economic Engagements
The leaders welcomed the conduct of two Business Fora held in New Delhi and Brescia this year, which saw strong participation from industries of both countries. They noted ongoing efforts to expand cooperation in business, technology, innovation, and investment with the objective of enhancing competitiveness and strengthening resilient supply chains.
Space Sector Collaboration
The leaders appreciated the recent visit of an Italian space delegation to India, which is expected to support deeper engagement in the space sector at both government and private sector levels.
Support for India-EU Trade Talks and Future Engagements
Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.
The meeting reaffirmed the tradition of regular high-level interactions between India and Italy. The two leaders expressed their intention to continue engaging in multilateral and global platforms to uphold shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development.