Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella in New Delhi, and the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations between India and Italy. The meeting took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Mattarella is on a state visit to India.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. They reviewed ongoing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defense, and cultural exchanges. The discussions also focused on enhancing collaboration in emerging technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Trade and Investment
India and Italy have been working to boost bilateral trade, which has shown steady growth in recent years. The leaders emphasized the need to explore new avenues for economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. They also discussed facilitating easier business environments for companies from both nations.
Defense and Security
Defense cooperation was a key agenda item, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the existing military-to-military engagements. They agreed to enhance joint exercises and training programs. Additionally, they discussed maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts, reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
The leaders acknowledged the rich cultural heritage shared between India and Italy, including the influence of Italian missionaries and scholars on Indian history. They agreed to promote tourism and academic exchanges to deepen people-to-people connections. Both sides also discussed the upcoming celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Regional and Global Issues
Prime Minister Modi and President Mattarella also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, climate change, and the reform of multilateral institutions. They reiterated their support for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and agreed to work together on global challenges.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further elevate the India-Italy partnership to new heights. President Mattarella also invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Italy, which was accepted with pleasure.
