New Delhi, December 11 (ANI) — Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation to visit Italy in 2026. Tajani told ANI he extended the invitation on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and that Modi replied positively.
Describing his meeting with Modi as very positive, Tajani said discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties across industry, culture and infrastructure. He highlighted IMEC, an infrastructure and trade corridor designed to link India to Trieste via Israel, Gulf states, Egypt and the Mediterranean, as a key priority for cooperation.
“IMEC is 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,” Tajani said, stressing its significance for trade and investment.
Tajani also noted India’s constructive role in diplomatic efforts around Ukraine, saying New Delhi has engaged to encourage Russia toward an agreement. On a reciprocal visit by Prime Minister Meloni to India, he said the timing would be determined after consultations between leaders and could be set during 2026.
Asked about IMEC’s progress, Tajani said work can begin once there is a ceasefire in Gaza to allow movement and construction. He said the situation has recently improved, making it more feasible to advance the project.
The Italian minister underlined the multilateral nature of the corridor, pointing to ongoing talks with Saudi and UAE officials and strong engagement from both Rome and New Delhi. He said cooperation will cover infrastructure, trade and joint ventures, and pointed to an upcoming business forum in Mumbai as evidence of growing corporate ties between the two countries.
On the proposed India-EU free trade agreement, Tajani expressed optimism and said Italy will press for an early conclusion. He is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai, with economic and commercial engagement expected to dominate the agenda.
Tajani made the remarks to ANI while on an official visit to India.
