Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Antonio Tajani in Delhi. (@narendramodi/X via PTI Photo)
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday (Dec 10, 2025) termed his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “very positive”, highlighting the strong bilateral relations between India and Italy.
Also read | India and Italy announce joint initiative to cooperate in countering terrorist financing as PM Modi meets Meloni
Mr. Tajani, who is also the foreign minister, is on a three-day visit to India.
Speaking to PTI Videos after meeting Mr Modi on Wednesday (December 10) evening, Mr Tajani said the situation in West Asia is much better now and expressed optimism about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed deepening industrial cooperation and cultural exchanges while underlining India’s key role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to reach a peaceful solution.
“India is very important to push Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine,” Tajani said.
The Italian Deputy Prime Minister also extended a formal invitation to Modi on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni to visit Italy next year. “In 2026, he (PM Modi) will be in my country, Italy,” Mr Tajani said.
A significant part of the discussions focused on IMEC, a strategic initiative that envisages connectivity from India through the Middle East (including Israel and Saudi Arabia) to Europe via Italy.
Asked about the delay in the IMEC project, Tajani said the situation in the Middle East had improved significantly.
“…We need a ceasefire now. The situation is much better now,” he said, adding that both India and Italy remain firmly committed to the project.
“We will start soon. We have to work hard with other countries. India and Italy are strongly engaged. Now the situation in the Middle East is much better, so it is possible to go in the right direction. I am an optimist. Italy and India are in the front line,” said the Italian vice prime minister.
Mr. Tajani also disclosed that he discussed IMEC during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia two weeks ago, indicating an active diplomatic effort to move the corridor forward.
Announced during the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, IMEC aims to strengthen trade links between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe.
Published – 11 Dec 2025 04:20 IST
