PM Modi speaks to Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni; discusses EU-India FTA, Ukraine conflict

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and her counterpart in Italy, Giorgia Meloni, stressed the need for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict,

Meloni was the fourth leader of Europe with whom Modi had phone calls after his return from Tianjin in northern China, where he met President Vladimir Putin of Russia on September 1 on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

He earlier had a phone call with the European Union leaders – Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa – and two with President Emmanuel Macron of France.  

Modi and Meloni reviewed and positively assessed the developments in bilateral Strategic Partnership across sectors such as investment, defence, security, space, science & technology, education, people-to-people ties and counterterrorism.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment towards further deepening of the Partnership, in line with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

“They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine,” said the MEA. Modi reiterated India’s full support for efforts to stop the conflict.  

Meloni reiterated Italy’s strong support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement at the earliest and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.

The leaders also agreed on taking steps to promote connectivity under the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic-Corridor (IMEEEC) initiative, according to the MEA.

The two leaders shared their commitment to support all international efforts to foster a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for a resumption of negotiations to reach a just and lasting peace, according to a press release issued by the office of the president of Italy.