Rome, Jan 27 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Italian President Sergio Matarella conveyed his Republic Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting the accelerating development of relations between their nations.

Matarella emphasized that both India and Italy uphold core values such as democracy and adherence to the rule of law, while also aligning on several mutual interests. These include safeguarding a rules-based international order, ensuring security and stability along the Indo-Mediterranean corridor, and effectively addressing global challenges.

In a letter addressed to President Murmu, Matarella expressed, "On this Republic Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a prosperous future for the Republic of India. The relationship between India and Italy is poised for swift expansion, destined to deepen for our shared benefit."

He added, "The bilateral collaboration, bolstered by the execution of the Joint Strategic Action Plan, is continuously enriched by new opportunities for cooperation, whether through joint initiatives between our economic operators, scientific partnerships, or increasingly robust interactions within our civil societies."

Matarella conveyed optimism that the synergies between India and Italy would be further reinforced across all sectors of the bilateral agenda and within the context of relations between India and the European Union.

"New Delhi and Rome share fundamental values, such as democracy and respect for the rule of law. They also pursue multiple converging interests, beginning with the protection of a rules-based international order, the peaceful pursuit of security and stability along the Indo-Mediterranean arc, and effective multilateral management of significant global challenges.

"Building on these foundations, I hope that synergies between our countries—drawing momentum from frequent high-level institutional and political visits—will be enhanced across every sector of the bilateral agenda and within the framework of relations between India and the European Union, which stands to benefit greatly from fresh economic and trade agreements. With these aspirations, and in a spirit of camaraderie, I extend my warmest congratulations on behalf of the Italian Republic to you and all your citizens," Matarella concluded.

Last month, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met with PM Modi during his visit to New Delhi. In their discussions, PM Modi characterized the India-Italy relationship as one that "continues to strengthen," adding that the deepening engagement benefits not only both nations but also enhances the global community.

"I was pleased to meet Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, today. I expressed appreciation for the proactive measures being undertaken by both sides towards the implementation of the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 across critical 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 peoples and the global community," PM Modi stated on X.

India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in 2023, laying the groundwork for an ambitious long-term agenda that is currently being operationalized through the 2025–2029 plan.