NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday. The Modi-Tajani meeting took place in New Delhi at 4:35 PM. Discussions focused on the Italy-India strategic plan 2025. Tajani extended an invitation for Modi to visit Italy in 2026. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.
The Modi-Tajani meeting advances South Asia’s diplomatic footprint. It strengthens Europe’s partnerships amid global shifts. Enhanced connectivity via IMEC promises trade benefits for India and its neighbors.
Modi Tajani Meeting Highlights: India Strategic Plan 2025
The Modi-Tajani meeting reviewed progress on the Italy-India strategic plan 2025. Launched in November 2024 by Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the plan spans a five-year period. It encompasses trade, investment, research, innovation, defense, space, connectivity, counter-terrorism, education, and people-to-people ties.
Modi expressed appreciation for proactive implementation steps. “Conveyed appreciation for the proactive steps being taken by both sides towards implementation of the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 across key sectors,” Modi posted on X. Tajani described the encounter as “very positive.”
The forum addressed during Tajani’s visit forms part of this plan. It promotes collaboration in business, science, and technology. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal noted the forum’s timeliness. “This forum is a very timely platform and a good opportunity for all of us to collectively resolve to implement the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29,” Goyal stated at the Italy-India Business, Science and Technology Forum.
Bilateral trade reached €14 billion in 2024, up 15 percent from the prior year. Targets aim for €20 billion by 2025 under the plan. Investments flow in renewables, defence, and infrastructure. Italian firms, such as Enel Green Power, expanded their solar projects in Rajasthan.
Cultural exchanges feature prominently. Yoga initiatives in Italy drew 500,000 participants last year. Student mobility programs aim to facilitate 5,000 exchanges annually by 2029.
Tajani Invites Modi to Italy for 2026 State Visit
Tajani invites Modi. Italy marked a highlight of the meeting. “In 2026, he (PM Modi) will be in my country, in Italy,” Tajani said. The invitation comes from Meloni. It underscores a deepening friendship. The planned visit aligns with G7 outreach. Italy holds the 2026 presidency. Modi attended the 2024 summit as a guest of honor. Discussions touched on global governance reforms.
Tajani praised India’s economic trajectory. Italy seeks joint ventures in AI and semiconductors. Defence ties include co-production of naval systems. A €500 million deal for patrol vessels was signed in 2024.
People-to-people links grew. Over 50,000 Indians reside in Italy. Remittances hit €1.2 billion annually. Visa facilitations eased tourism, with 300,000 Indian visitors in 2024.
India Italy IMEC Corridor Gains Momentum in Talks
India, Italy, and the IMEC corridor were featured centrally in the Modi-Tajani meeting. The corridor connects India to Europe via the Middle East. It spans ports in India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Italy.
Tajani voiced optimism. “We need a ceasefire now. The situation is much better for this now,” he stated. “We will start early. We need to work hard with the other countries. India and Italy are strongly engaged. Now that the situation in the Middle East has improved, it is possible to move in the right direction. I am optimistic. Italy and Italy are on the front line.”
Announced at the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, IMEC aims to reduce shipping times by 40 percent. It counters China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Investments total $20 billion initially, with India committing $5 billion for rail links. Tajani’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia advanced alignments. Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud endorsed participation. Greece and France expressed interest in extending the agreement.
The corridor boosts South Asian exports. It aims to achieve $50 billion in annual trade flows by 2030. Energy security improves with the development of gas pipelines from Qatar.
Geopolitical talks included Ukraine. Tajani highlighted India’s role. “India is very important for pushing Russia towards achieving an agreement with Ukraine,” he said. Modi reiterated India’s peace advocacy. Counter-terrorism cooperation intensified. Joint exercises under the FATF frameworks occurred in 2025. Intelligence sharing prevented three plots last year.
Background: Foundations of India-Italy Partnership
India and Italy established ties in 1947. Trade liberalisation in the 1990s spurred growth. The 2016 strategic partnership elevated defence and tech exchanges. Meloni’s 2023 India visit resulted in the signing of 10 pacts. Modi’s 2024 trip to Italy focused on migration and climate. The 2025 plan builds on these.
EU-India FTA negotiations influence dynamics. Italy advocates swift closure. Bilateral investments reached €12 billion, with 200 Italian firms in India. Cultural bonds can be traced back to Roman-Indian trade routes. Modern links include Indology chairs at Italian universities.
What’s Next: Implementing Modi Tajani Meeting Outcomes
Quarterly reviews track the progress of the Italy-India strategic plan 2025. Working groups convene in Rome next month. Modi’s 2026 visit could finalise IMEC financing. Business summits aim for €5 billion in investments. The Modi-Tajani meeting signals robust momentum. It positions both nations as pillars of multipolar cooperation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 11th, 2025
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