JOHANNESBURG, November 23, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding their strategic partnership. The meeting followed their brief interaction earlier this year during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. Prime Minister Meloni conveyed Italy’s solidarity with India following the recent terror attack in Delhi and reiterated her government’s commitment to combating terrorism. The two leaders adopted the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, a framework aimed at enhancing cooperation in identifying and disrupting channels of terror financing.
The initiative will enable greater collaboration between the two nations within international mechanisms such as the Financial Action Task Force and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum. During the talks, both leaders reviewed the progress of the bilateral Strategic Partnership and expressed satisfaction with developments across key sectors including trade, investment, defense, security, space, science, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges. They welcomed the progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, which outlines long-term objectives for collaboration across multiple domains. Economic engagement was a central focus of the discussion. Modi and Meloni acknowledged the success of the India–Italy Business Fora held in New Delhi and Brescia earlier this year, which saw active participation from both countries’ business communities.
Italy supports India EU Free Trade Agreement conclusion
They noted that these platforms are driving greater cooperation in technology, innovation, and industrial partnerships, with a shared goal of strengthening resilient supply chains and promoting sustainable economic growth. The two Prime Ministers also discussed cooperation in the field of space technology. They welcomed the recent visit of an Italian space delegation to India, which is expected to open new opportunities for joint research, development, and industry collaboration. Both governments view space as an area of increasing strategic importance, with growing potential for partnerships between public and private sectors. Prime Minister Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s continued support for the conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced India–European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Italy backs India’s leadership in AI and digital innovation
She also expressed confidence in India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit 2026, which will focus on the global implications of artificial intelligence and its governance. Both leaders highlighted the significance of advancing digital transformation and innovation while ensuring ethical and secure technological growth. The meeting in Johannesburg reinforced the ongoing momentum in India-Italy relations, which have expanded steadily across political, economic, and technological spheres. The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagement and coordination within multilateral forums. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding democratic values, the rule of law, and sustainable development through cooperation in global platforms.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni concluded their meeting by underlining the strong foundation of mutual trust and shared priorities that continue to define India-Italy relations. Their discussions at the G20 Summit reflected the two nations’ common approach to addressing global challenges through partnership and dialogue, signaling the steady deepening of ties between New Delhi and Rome. Both leaders reaffirmed their intent to enhance cooperation in sustainable development, green energy transition, and digital innovation while ensuring continued engagement across multilateral forums to promote peace, stability, and inclusive global growth. – By Content Syndication Services.