Tajani: Modi meeting 'very positive' on IMEC, trade and peace
Tajani: Modi meeting 'very positive' on IMEC, trade and peace
Italian Deputy PM Tajani calls Modi meeting 'very positive' as India-Italy push IMEC, deepen industrial ties and support peace efforts in West Asia.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'very positive,' underscoring the strength of bilateral relations between India and Italy. Tajani, who is also Italy’s Foreign Minister, is on a three-day visit to India, and his remarks came after a productive exchange with Modi on various fronts.
A significant portion of the discussions centered on deepening industrial collaboration and cultural exchanges, with both sides keen on advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity (IMEC) initiative. Tajani emphasized the importance of kick-starting IMEC promptly and noted that Italy and India are “strongly engaged” to move the project forward, despite previous delays linked to regional tensions in the Middle East. He added that the situation in the region has improved and expressed optimism about achieving concrete progress.
Tajani highlighted India’s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to reach a peaceful resolution. He quoted that 'India is very important for pushing Russia towards achieving an agreement with Ukraine,' signaling New Delhi’s influence in broader peace efforts. The talks also touched on cultural exchanges and broader economic cooperation, signaling a comprehensive approach to strengthening ties beyond mere trade.
During the visit, Tajani extended a formal invitation for Modi to visit Italy next year, signaling a high-level ambition for intensified engagement. He stated that Modi would visit Italy in 2026, inviting closer political and economic collaboration. The Italian deputy prime minister stressed that both nations are on the front line of regional diplomacy and that the two countries are committed to pursuing the IMEC project with early action.
In summary, the discussions reflected a shared desire to bolster bilateral cooperation, pursue strategic connectivity, and support regional peace efforts, with optimism tempered by the practical steps needed to realize IMEC and related initiatives.
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