‘Years In Govt, Still Popular Among Citizens’: Meloni Praises PM Modi’s Vision, Pragmatism

Last Updated:May 20, 2026, 17:42 IST

Meloni noted that the relationship between the two leaders had played a major role in deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Rome.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership, vision and enduring popularity, saying India and Italy are now closer than ever before.

Addressing a joint press statement with PM Modi in Rome, Meloni announced bilateral ties between the two countries had now reached the level of a “special strategic partnership" — the highest stage in relations between the two nations.

“Today, here in Rome, we are further strengthening our relations all the way up to the special strategic partnership — the highest ever reached in the relations between the two nations. So, I think it is safe to say that now Italy and India are closer than they have ever been," she said.

Meloni noted that the relationship between the two leaders had played a major role in deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Rome. Referring to her multiple meetings with Modi over the past three-and-a-half years, she said the interactions helped build mutual trust and understanding.

“It is also due to the seven meetings that I have had with Prime Minister Modi over the past three and a half years, during which we have gotten to deeply know one another and our respective points of view. We have also created an honest friendship based on respect and mutual trust," she said.

“I think that this friendship of ours has very much helped us to work so swiftly," she added

The Italian Prime Minister went on to praise Modi’s leadership qualities and his continued popularity among Indian citizens despite being in office for several years.

“I have personally learned to appreciate the vision, the pragmatism and the leadership of the Prime Minister, as shown by how popular he is amongst his citizens after many years in government," Meloni said.

The remarks came during Modi’s official visit to Italy, where the two sides held talks aimed at expanding collaboration in areas such as trade, defence, technology, energy transition and strategic connectivity.

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