New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India and Italy are making consistent strides in various fields of collaboration during his meeting with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, in the capital city.

This meeting occurs as both countries strive to implement the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, a framework aimed at enhancing their cooperation beyond conventional sectors.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the “proactive measures” being adopted by both administrations to foster partnerships in areas such as trade, investment, research, innovation, defense, space, connectivity, counter-terrorism, education, and interpersonal relations.

He characterized the India-Italy alliance as one that “keeps getting stronger”, emphasizing that the growing partnership benefits not just the two nations but also has a positive impact on the global community.

“I was pleased to meet Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, today. I conveyed appreciation for the proactive steps being taken by both sides towards implementing the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 across key sectors such as trade, investment, research, innovation, defense, space, connectivity, counter-terrorism, education, and people-to-people ties. The friendship between India and Italy continues to strengthen, greatly benefiting our people and the global community,” PM Modi shared on X.

India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit in 2023, setting the foundation for an ambitious long-term agenda now being executed through the 2025–2029 plan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Tajani remarked that the two nations are strategic partners bound by a “growing and solid friendship.”

He declared that India and Italy will enhance their commitment to securing peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

After their meeting, Tajani wrote on X: “In New Delhi, I had a very amicable meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Italy and India are countries connected by a growing and solid friendship, mutually strategic partners. Our goal is to increase India’s presence in Italy and Italy’s presence in India, facilitated by the IMEC corridor connecting our nations via Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Together with our Governments, we will bolster our commitment to achieving peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.”

Tajani arrived in Delhi on Wednesday for an official visit lasting three days, marking his second trip this year aimed at deepening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, warmly welcomed the visiting minister.

“A warm welcome to Italy's Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, upon his arrival in New Delhi. This marks his second visit to India this year. His engagements in Delhi and Mumbai will further strengthen the India-Italy Strategic Partnership,” Jaiswal posted on X.

During his stay in India, Tajani is set to meet with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in Mumbai. Tajani is expected to depart from Mumbai on Friday, concluding his engagements in India.

On November 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni engaged in discussions on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they explored ways to deepen bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, investment, defense, innovation, AI, space, and education.