New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation to visit Italy in 2026.
Speaking to ANI, Tajani said he had extended the invitation on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “I invited in the name of my Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. I invited the Prime Minister for a trip to Italy. The answer has been yes. 2026 he will be in my country in Italy,” he said.
Tajani described his meeting with PM Modi as very positive and outlined discussions aimed at deepening India-Italy ties, including the IMEC infrastructure and trade corridor. He highlighted cooperation at the industrial level and cultural exchanges, and noted India’s role in efforts to push Russia toward an agreement on Ukraine.
“IMEC is also very important, this infrastructure and trade corridor between India and Italy, from India through Israel, through the Gulf countries, to Egypt, through the Mediterranean Sea, to Trieste. This is very important, the cooperation,” he said.
On whether Prime Minister Meloni would visit India, Tajani said the timing would be decided after leaders’ consultations: “We will decide when during 2026.”
When asked about IMEC’s progress, he said work would start and stressed the need for a Gaza ceasefire to enable movement. “Yes, because we are working for stopping the situation in Gaza, we need the ceasefire. Now the situation is much better, for this it’s possible to work,” he said.
Tajani emphasised multilateral collaboration for the corridor, noting Italy and India’s strong engagement and conversations with Saudi and UAE officials supporting the initiative. He said cooperation will extend to infrastructure, trade and joint ventures, pointing to an upcoming business forum in Mumbai as a positive indicator of Italian-Indian corporate ties.
On the India-EU free trade agreement, Tajani expressed optimism: “We will push for achieving an agreement early, and I think I am optimistic.”
Tajani is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai, with economic engagement expected to be central. (ANI)
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