PM Modi, Giorgia Meloni hold talks in Rome; trade, defense ties on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. The discussions focus on strengthening cooperation in key areas, including trade, defense, maritime security, and port-related infrastructure. Both leaders are expected to review the migration and mobility agreement to facilitate smoother movement of professionals between India and Italy. The talks also aim to boost bilateral trade, which is targeting the twenty billion euro mark, with a focus on sectors like agriculture, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Additionally, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a newly laid data cable connecting Genoa to India are significant points of cooperation. The meeting follows the signing of the India-Europe free trade agreement in January twenty twenty-six. The visit highlights Italy's position as the fourth-largest trading partner and export destination for Indian products in Europe, alongside a thirty-two percent growth in remittances from Indian professionals in Italy over the last two years.