14 June 2024, Apulia, Italy — Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with Italian Prime Minister H.E. Ms Giorgia Meloni today, marking a significant moment in the ongoing collaboration between India and Italy. The meeting, held in Apulia, underscored the robust and evolving partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Meloni congratulated PM Modi on securing his third consecutive term and extended her appreciation for India’s participation in the G7 Outreach Summit, which concluded successfully. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the summit’s accomplishments.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Economic Collaboration
Both leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, expressing satisfaction with the regular high-level political dialogue. They emphasized the importance of expanding commercial ties, particularly in clean energy, manufacturing, space, science and technology, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. This expansion aims to build resilient supply chains, a critical focus in the current global economic landscape.
A recent milestone in their cooperation is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Industrial Property Rights (IPR). This MoU provides a framework for collaboration on patents, designs, and trademarks, reflecting the commitment of both countries to fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The leaders discussed bilateral defence and security cooperation, expressing hopes for further enhancing defence-industrial collaboration. They welcomed the forthcoming visit of the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and the training ship ITS Vespucci to India later this year. PM Modi thanked the Italian government for recognizing the Indian Army’s contribution during the Italian Campaign in World War II and announced plans to upgrade the Yashwant Ghadge Memorial in Montone, Italy.
Energy Transition and Scientific Collaboration
The meeting also highlighted the cooperation under the ‘Global Biofuels Alliance’ and the signing of a Letter of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Transition. This agreement aims to bolster bilateral cooperation in clean and green energy. Additionally, the leaders expressed satisfaction with the new Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-27, which aims to promote joint research and development in science and technology.
People-to-People Connections and Educational Initiatives
The strong people-to-people connections between India and Italy were noted, supported by the longstanding tradition of Indological studies in Italy. This connection will be further strengthened with the establishment of the first Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) chair on India studies at the University of Milan. Both leaders called for the early implementation of the Migration and Mobility Agreement, which will facilitate the mobility of professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, students, and researchers between the two countries.
Indo-Pacific and Global Cooperation
PM Modi and PM Meloni also discussed joint activities under the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative framework, aiming to realize their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They addressed important regional and global issues, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in global forums and multilateral initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
