Italian PM Giorgia Meloni expresses strong solidarity with India over the Red Fort blast during her meeting with PM Modi at the G20 Summit, as both nations launch a joint initiative to counter terror financing and strengthen their strategic partnership.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday conveyed her solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent blast incident near Delhi’s Red Fort, reaffirming Italy’s commitment to cooperate closely with India in combating global terrorism. The two leaders met on the side-lines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen their strategic partnership.
According to a press statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Meloni strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed unwavering support to India at a time of heightened security concerns. “PM Meloni expressed solidarity with India on the terror incident in Delhi and reiterated Italy’s strong commitment to work together to combat the scourge of terrorism,” the statement said.
During the meeting, the two sides adopted a new framework — the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism. The initiative aims to enhance cooperation in tracking, preventing and dismantling financial networks that support terror organisations. Both countries agreed to deepen collaboration at multilateral platforms, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), to strengthen the global response to terrorism.
The leaders’ interaction at the G20 Summit marks another milestone in their rapidly expanding diplomatic engagements. Earlier this year, PM Modi and PM Meloni had briefly interacted on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, reinforcing the positive momentum in bilateral ties.
Strategic Partnership Gains Greater Depth
PM Modi and PM Meloni reviewed the ongoing progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, which guides cooperation across key areas such as trade and investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education, and mobility. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress and reiterated their resolve to further strengthen the strategic partnership.
The meeting highlighted the success of two Business Fora held in New Delhi and Brescia earlier this year. These gatherings saw robust participation from the industries of both nations, reflecting growing private-sector interest in enhancing bilateral trade, technology exchange and investments. The leaders acknowledged the importance of building resilient supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as digital technologies, semiconductors, clean energy and manufacturing.
PM Modi welcomed the recent visit of an Italian Space delegation, noting that it opens new avenues for cooperation not only at the governmental level but also for private enterprises in the space sector. Areas such as satellite communication, Earth observation and joint research projects are expected to see deeper collaboration in the coming years.
Support for India-EU Trade Talks and Global Cooperation
Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s strong support for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA is expected to significantly boost economic ties between India and the European Union and strengthen the strategic footprint of both sides in the global marketplace.
She also expressed enthusiasm for the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in 2026, emphasising the role of technology and innovation in shaping future global partnerships. Both leaders agreed that deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence, clean energy, defence innovation and cybersecurity would be critical to advancing their shared goals.
PM Modi Highlights Rising Strength of India-Italy Ties
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X that India and Italy are witnessing a continuous strengthening of their strategic partnership. Describing the interaction as “a very good meeting,” he highlighted how the expanding relationship is directly benefiting the people of both countries.
“We discussed advancing our cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space and education,” PM Modi wrote. He welcomed the new Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, calling it a timely effort that strengthens the global fight against terror.
The post underscores the growing synergy between New Delhi and Rome, built through sustained diplomatic engagement, ministerial-level dialogues and collaboration across critical sectors. Both nations have also been working on enhancing mobility agreements, strengthening climate action, fostering start-up ecosystems and increasing defence collaboration.
Over the past two years, PM Modi and PM Meloni have met several times at international forums, contributing to the increased visibility and relevance of the India-Italy partnership on global platforms. Their interactions reflect shared commitments to democracy, sustainable development, the rule of law and a stable international order.
A Relationship Poised for Further Growth
With the adoption of new counter-terrorism cooperation frameworks, rising trade and investment flows and growing technological partnerships, the India-Italy strategic partnership appears poised for deeper collaboration.
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Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular high-level exchanges and working together to uphold global peace and stability.
