PM Modi to Visit Italy in 2026 After Accepting Invitation from Giorgia Meloni
Tajani says India–Italy ties are strengthening across trade, strategic cooperation and IMEC
New Delhi, Dec 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Italy in 2026, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Tajani said he had extended the invitation on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and received a positive response from Modi.
“I invited in the name of my Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. The answer has been yes. In 2026 he will be in Italy,” Tajani said.
Meloni’s Possible Visit to India Under Discussion
Tajani said Giorgia Meloni’s potential visit to India remains under consideration and will be decided after further discussions between both leaders. He emphasised that India–Italy ties are witnessing strong momentum across trade, defence, infrastructure and strategic cooperation.
PM Modi and PM Meloni last met on November 23 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where they reviewed collaboration in defence, innovation, space, AI and education.
Tajani’s Visit Marks Deepening Diplomatic Engagement
The Italian Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday with a high-level business delegation, marking his second India visit this year. His three-day trip reflects accelerating engagement between the two countries after a series of high-level exchanges.
Talks Focus on IMEC, Trade and Industrial Partnerships
On Wednesday, Modi met Tajani to review progress under the Italy–India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. Tajani described the meeting as “very positive”, highlighting discussions on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), industrial cooperation, cultural links and international peace initiatives.
He stressed India’s crucial role in encouraging dialogue to resolve the Russia–Ukraine conflict and said the IMEC corridor would significantly strengthen connectivity and trade between the two nations.
“IMEC is very important this infrastructure corridor from India through the Gulf, Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean to Trieste. Strengthening cooperation in industry, culture and peace is essential for the years ahead,” Tajani said.
