Italian President Sergio Mattarella has called for stronger cooperation between Italy and India as he hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rome.
“Your presence in Italy is an honour for Italy and demonstrates our shared desire to broadly and fully intensify our collaboration,” Mattarella told Modi during talks on Wednesday at the Quirinale Palace, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also attended the meeting.
Mattarella also praised the Indian community in Italy, describing it as “highly valued” and saying it contributes “dynamically, actively and diligently” to the country.
Modi also held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphili, where the two leaders announced that Italy and India had elevated their relations to a “special strategic partnership.”
“Today, we are elevating our relationship to the level of a special strategic partnership. Now Italy and India are closer than ever,” Meloni said during joint statements with Modi after the meeting.
“We are aiming to grow our already robust trade to €20 billion, from the current €14 billion, over the next three years,” she added.
She also said the two sides discussed cooperation in sectors including advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, defence, critical minerals, agro-industry, maritime transport, tourism and culture.
Meloni said the leaders discussed the Iranian crisis and shared hopes that peace negotiations would move forward, while stressing efforts to restore freedom of navigation.
Modi said the announcement of the strategic partnership reflected “a new confidence” in bilateral ties.
“We are taking a leap forward in our relations,” he said, noting that more than 800 Italian companies are operating in India.
As part of the visit, Modi earlier donated a black mulberry tree to the Italian government. Meloni and Modi were set to participate in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Villa Doria Pamphili to mark ties between the two countries.
Modi and Meloni also met Tuesday evening after the Indian prime minister arrived in Rome, holding a dinner meeting followed by a visit to the Colosseum.
“Welcome to Rome, my friend,” Meloni wrote on X, alongside a photo with Modi.
Modi later said the two leaders had exchanged views on “a wide range of topics” during their meeting.
