New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephonic dialogue with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday, during which both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhance the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Meloni expressed her support for the upcoming AI Impact Summit that India will host in 2026.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to Meloni for Italy's backing in finalizing the trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU), as well as for fostering connectivity through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) initiative. The leaders also shared insights on various regional and global issues of shared concern, emphasizing the necessity for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, with PM Modi reaffirming India’s unwavering support for these efforts.

“I had a productive conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and expressed our desire to expedite the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. I thanked PM Meloni for Italy's proactive support in concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU trade agreement and for advancing connectivity through the IMEEEC initiative,” PM Modi shared on X following the call.

According to the Indian Prime Minister's Office (PMO), both leaders reviewed and positively evaluated the progress made in various sectors of the bilateral Strategic Partnership, including investment, defense, security, space, science and technology, education, people-to-people connections, and counter-terrorism. They reaffirmed their dedication to further enhancing this partnership, as outlined in the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

Earlier, PM Modi had met with Meloni at the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June, where both leaders committed to fortifying the friendship between India and Italy.

Meloni shared a photo of herself with PM Modi on X, captioned, "Italy and India, united by a strong friendship." A video captured PM Modi greeting Meloni with a handshake and sharing a brief conversation during the summit.

In a post on X, PM Modi remarked, "I completely agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. The friendship between India and Italy will continue to strengthen, benefiting our peoples immensely!"

The rapport between PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni has gained significant attention on social media, with their interactions leading to the trending hashtag #Melodi.

Meloni also condemned the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which took the lives of 26 individuals, reiterating Italy's full support for India in combating terrorism.