Modi and Meloni Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Push Forward India–EU Trade Deal, and Call for Peace in Ukraine
- MGMMTeam
- Sep 11
- 4 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a cordial and wide-ranging phone conversation on September 10, 2025, reaffirming their shared vision of deepening the India–Italy strategic partnership. Their discussion highlighted not only bilateral cooperation but also broader global concerns, especially the advancement of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), regional connectivity projects, and the pressing need for peace in Ukraine.
The dialogue comes at a time when India and the European Union are striving to finalize one of the most significant trade agreements in recent history, with Italy emerging as a strong and proactive supporter of India’s position. Both leaders emphasized that their partnership is built not just on shared economic interests but also on a common approach to global challenges.
Progress on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement
One of the most critical aspects of the conversation was the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which has gained fresh momentum with the 13th round of negotiations currently underway in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to his Italian counterpart for her active backing of the deal, describing it as vital to unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation between India and Europe.
The negotiations have already made considerable progress, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirming that over 60 percent of the chapters have been finalized. This indicates substantial headway toward an agreement that could transform India’s trade relations with Europe. The upcoming visit of EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to India further underscores the urgency attached to concluding the deal by the end of this year. Both Modi and Meloni reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the FTA moves forward without delay, recognizing its potential to reshape global trade flows.
Strengthening Strategic and Sectoral Ties
Beyond trade, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the India–Italy Strategic Partnership under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29. This framework envisions close cooperation in diverse sectors including defence, science and technology, education, counter-terrorism, and space exploration. Italy has also signaled strong interest in India’s digital innovation agenda, particularly through its endorsement of the upcoming AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.
The conversation reflected the growing convergence between New Delhi and Rome, with both governments recognizing that stronger ties can contribute to regional stability and shared prosperity. Their partnership also has a symbolic value, underscoring how India’s ties with European nations are broadening beyond traditional trade links to encompass technology, security, and long-term strategic cooperation.
Commitment to Peace in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine featured prominently in the conversation. Both leaders expressed a shared desire for a peaceful resolution and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving lasting stability. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that hostilities must end and negotiations must prevail, aligning with Meloni’s own calls for peace and security in Europe.
This aspect of the conversation highlights India’s growing role as a global voice for conflict resolution, balancing its relationships with both Western powers and other major actors while maintaining its independent position on global crises.
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor
Another important element discussed was the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC), a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through integrated land and sea routes. Italy’s support for this ambitious project reflects its recognition of the corridor’s potential to revolutionize connectivity and trade. Both leaders stressed that the IMEEEC would not only enhance economic opportunities but also serve as a stabilizing force in the wider region.
The MGMM Outlook
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni marks a significant step in strengthening India–Italy relations while reinforcing Europe’s growing alignment with India’s vision. The discussion, which touched on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), highlighted Italy’s active role as one of India’s strongest supporters within the European Union. With over 60 percent of the FTA chapters already finalized, both leaders underscored their commitment to sealing this landmark deal that promises to reshape trade flows and expand opportunities for investment, innovation, and strategic cooperation. Italy’s endorsement of India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in 2026 and its enthusiasm for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) also reveal a deeper recognition of India’s rising global role as a driver of technology, connectivity, and growth.
Beyond trade and infrastructure, the call reaffirmed the importance of the India–Italy Strategic Partnership under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, which broadens collaboration across defence, education, science, space, and counter-terrorism. At the same time, both leaders echoed the urgent need for peace in Ukraine, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy over conflict—reflecting India’s consistent stance as a global voice for stability. This convergence of economic, technological, and geopolitical priorities demonstrates how New Delhi and Rome are moving beyond transactional ties to build a long-term partnership that serves not just bilateral interests but also wider regional and global stability.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, India TV News)
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