1#Thursday 21, May 2O26, 4108. 19:00. /1.#PM receives Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome: 20 May, 2026Print News./2.##PM pens a joint op-ed with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on India-Italy relations: 20 May, 2026: Print News.//3.###PM calls on the President of Italy: 20 May, 2026: Print News. ///4.####PM meets with Prime Minister of Italy: 20 May, 2026Print News. ////5.#####India-Italy Joint Declaration: 20 May, 2026Print News. /////6.######Press Statement by the PM during the Joint Press Statement with the PM of Italy: 20 May, 2026: Print News. //////7.#######PM pens a joint op-ed with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on India-Sweden relations: 20 May, 2026Print News.///////
================================================================================================1#Thursday 21, May 2O26, 4108. 19:00. /
1.#PM receives Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome: 20 May, 2026: Print News. /
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VIDEO: PM Modi conferred with FAO’s prestigious Agricola Medal
PM receives Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was today conferred with the prestigious Agricola Medal for 2026 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome. The award was conferred in recognition of his exceptional leadership to address food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development in India and at the global level.
Prime Minister received the award from Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director General of FAO. He dedicated the honour to Indian farmers and the Indian agricultural scientific community, who tirelessly work to ensure food security and nutrition for Indians and for people around the World. He underlined that the recognition was a tribute to India’s commitment to human welfare, food security and sustainable development. Highlighting the centrality of agrarian life in India, Prime Minister emphasized that agriculture was a sacred bond between Mother Earth and the Indian people.
Prime Minister noted that India’s scientific and innovation-based approach to farming was fostering a sustainable, climate-resilient and future-ready ecosystem. In this endeavor, he expressed that practices such as ‘Per Drop More Crop’ and mission-based approach to micro-irrigation and precision farming were guiding its agricultural policies. Elaborating on tech-based farming solutions, he stated that Digital Public Infrastructure, AI-based advisory systems, drones, remote-sensing technologies and sensor-based machinery were helping Indian farmers to reap rich harvest and higher farm incomes. He stated that in the last 10 years, India had developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties. Prime Minister noted that India’s science-driven agriculture is strengthening global food security, in particular for countries in the Global South.
Prime Minister recalled that as a founding member of FAO, India was privileged to work with the organization to foster global food security, sustainable agriculture and a hunger-free world. He thanked FAO for working with India to promote healthy food choices through the celebration of the International Year of Millets.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to FAO Headquarters was the first by an Indian Head of Government in the last 30 years.
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2.##PM pens a joint op-ed with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on India-Italy relations: 20 May, 2026: Print News.//
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PM highlights that the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations has reached a decisive stage
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today shared that he has penned a joint op-ed with the Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, detailing how the bilateral relations between India and Italy have reached a decisive stage.
The Prime Minister noted that the bond shared between the two countries is a Special Strategic Partnership. Shri Modi highlighted that this robust relationship is firmly driven by innovation, shared democratic values, and a common vision for the future.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Penned an op-ed with PM Meloni on how India-Italy ties have reached a decisive stage. Ours is a Special Strategic Partnership driven by innovation, shared democratic values and a common vision for the future.”
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3.###PM calls on the President of Italy: 20 May, 2026: Print News. ///
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VIDEO: PM Modi holds a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella
PM calls on the President of Italy
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called on H.E. Mr. Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic, at Quirinale, the Presidential Palace in Rome today.
Prime Minister thanked President Mattarella for his support and leadership towards strengthening India-Italy relations. The two leaders noted the upward trajectory in India-Italy strategic partnership and expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, research and innovation, defence and security, space, energy, AI and critical technologies, education, culture and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on emerging technologies and Artificial intelligence.
The two leaders noted that the early signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would impart new momentum to the partnership. They discussed the significance of the multimodal India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for ensuring maritime security, digital connectivity and energy supplies.
The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues and exchanged views on the conflicts in West Asia and Europe. They reiterated their shared commitment to upholding international law, freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Prime Minister thanked President Mattarella for his warmth and gracious hospitality and invited the President to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
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4.####PM meets with Prime Minister of Italy: 20 May, 2026Print News. ////
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VIDEO: PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni
PM meets with Prime Minister of Italy
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held official talks with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, H.E. Ms. Giorgia Meloni in Rome on May 20, 2026.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the strong momentum of high-level exchanges and excellent growth and diversification of bilateral cooperation. They decided to elevate the India -Italy Strategic Partnership to the level of Special Strategic Partnership. They also agreed to hold annual meetings of leaders, including on the sidelines of multilateral events, as well as regular Ministerial and institutional-level meetings.
The two leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions covering the entire gamut of the India-Italy partnership. Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral cooperation across all domains of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. Both leaders agreed to further expand collaboration in trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, research and innovation, space, energy, AI and critical technologies, education, culture and people-to-people ties. They decided to establish a Foreign Minister level mechanism to regularly review Joint Strategic Action Plan.
The leaders took note of the renewed momentum in bilateral economic and commercial ties, growing investments and efforts to build long-term collaborations. In this context, they welcomed the exchange of three Business Forums last year. They also met select Italian and Indian CEOs representing sectors such as defence, digital, energy transition, infrastructure and logistics. Noting the shared objective of expanding bilateral trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029, both leaders agreed to leverage the opportunities from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and called for its early implementation.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction on deepening defence cooperation through Ministerial and official interactions, exchange of port visits and regular engagement of defence forces. They welcomed the signing of Joint Declaration of Intent, an Industrial Roadmap for collaboration in co-design, co-development and co-production of defence products.
The leaders expressed satisfaction on growing engagements between researchers and scientific institutions from both countries. They welcomed ongoing collaboration between the Italian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation, and efforts to strengthen commercial space collaboration. They also called for greater collaboration in the fields of AI, Semiconductors, critical minerals and other cutting-edge technologies, synergising India’s talented workforce and Italy’s technological prowess.
Reiterating their strong commitment to combat the scourge of terrorism, both leaders agreed to continue cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels. They expressed satisfaction at the implementation of Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism adopted in November 2025.
Both leaders acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Indian diaspora in Italy and agreed to facilitate mobility of students, researchers and academia. They agreed to celebrate 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Tourism between India and Italy”. They welcomed the signing of MoUs between India and Italy on cooperation on development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat and on recruitment of nurses from India.
Both leaders expressed their keen desire to build connectivity infrastructure through concrete projects and reaffirmed their commitment for the implementation of the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, India-EU relations, and the conflicts in West Asia and Europe. Prime Minister underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflicts.
Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the warm hospitality extended by the government and the people of the Italian Republic and invited Prime Minister Meloni to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
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5.#####India-Italy Joint Declaration: 20 May, 2026Print News. /////
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VIDEO: PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni
India-Italy Joint Declaration
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At the invitation of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid an official visit to Italy on 19-20 May 2026. The visit, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Italy in June 2024 for the G7 Summit and Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to India for the G20 Summit in 2023, provided renewed momentum to the bilateral ties. The two leaders decided to elevate India-Italy relations to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership.
1.Political Dialogue:
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the strong momentum of high-level exchanges and agreed to hold annual meetings of leaders including on the sidelines of multilateral events, as well as regular Ministerial and institutional-level meetings.
They appreciated the concrete progress achieved across the diverse pillars of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 adopted by the two leaders in their meeting during the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. They agreed to establish Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to review the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and provide strategic guidance to India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership.
2.Economic Cooperation and Investments:
Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing dynamism of bilateral economic and industrial cooperation, with three high level business fora held since the last year. Building on the opportunities arising from India’s rapid and consistent economic growth and the successful conclusion of the negotiations for the EU–India Free Trade Agreement, they reaffirmed the shared objective of expanding bilateral trade in both direction with aim to reach to € 20 billion by 2029.
They welcomed the increase of bilateral investments in key sectors and encouraged the respective industries to forge industrial and technology partnerships in order to build resilient supply chains. They welcomed the prospect of greater investments, particularly in textiles, clean technologies, semiconductors, automotive, energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, digital technologies, critical raw materials, steel, ports and infrastructure. They encouraged industries to utilize the policy incentives and schemes in place in both countries which seek to enhance business linkages and production facilities.
Both Prime Ministers agreed to encourage dialogue and cooperation among stock exchanges, investment funds, venture capital, banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.
They agreed to facilitate industrial partnerships, including between SMEs, to foster deeper integration of supply chains. They encouraged new sectoral missions in the coming months in priority areas of mutual interest.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Critical Minerals. They agreed to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in field of critical minerals by establishing a structured framework for collaboration, with particular emphasis on sustainability and resilient supply chains. They underscored the importance of promoting joint efforts in recovery of critical minerals from unconventional sources, including electronic waste and mine tailings, as an integral component of circular economy initiatives. They also expressed satisfaction on signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of agriculture and agricultural research between respective ministries and institutions.
3.Connectivity:
The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), recognising its transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. Appreciating the preliminary discussions around the project, they encouraged the first IMEC Ministerial meeting to take concrete steps for advancing this initiative in 2026.
They welcomed the signing of an MoU on maritime transport and ports and directed their respective ministries/departments to establish a joint working group to implement the MoU at the earliest.
4.Science, Technology, Innovation, Start-ups and Artificial Intelligence:
The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that innovation, science and technology are core drivers of the India-Italy partnership.
They announced the creation of INNOVIT India, an innovation hub located in India aimed at strengthening cooperation between the respective innovation ecosystems, support startup acceleration programs, market access and business matching, joint research, university collaboration, and talent mobility in sectors including fintech, healthcare, semiconductors, logistics and supply chains, agritech, energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders welcomed the inaugural Science and Innovation Dialogue between Indian and Italian universities and research centres held in Delhi in April 2025 and look forward to holding its next edition in Italy later this year.
Both leaders underlined the importance of an open, free, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment, which is an enabler for innovation and economic growth. PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s constructive participation in the AI Impact Summit that took place on 19th February 2026 in New Delhi. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a human-centric, secure, trustworthy and robust Artificial Intelligence. They agreed to collaborate in this domain including in third countries.
The two Prime Ministers placed particular emphasis on opportunities for cooperation in the field of supercomputing.
Building on the 2025–2027 Executive Program for Scientific Cooperation, they supported the implementation of joint projects and the facilitation of mobility of researchers in area of quantum technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable blue economy. They also welcomed the ongoing implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of scientific research and the launching of a joint call for proposals to fund research projects.
The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the longstanding scientific collaboration between the Indian Academia and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste and welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the Elettra Sincrotrone center in Trieste, Italy in support of activities related to the access of synchrotron radiation facility at Elettra for Indian researchers.
5.Space:
While appreciating the ongoing collaboration between Italian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation, the two leaders agreed to strengthen the partnership on Earth observation, heliophysics and space exploration, with focused thematic engagement and to explore cooperation on access to space and protection of space infrastructures. They expressed satisfaction with the recent reciprocal visits of their respective space industry delegations and looked forward to further promote commercial collaboration through exchanges of experts and joint initiatives also in third countries.
6.Defence:
Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the deepening of defence cooperation including through Ministerial exchanges, service-to-service ties, port visits, and welcomed the adoption of a Joint Declaration of Intent and a Defence Industrial Roadmap which will promote partnerships for technological cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, including helicopters, naval platforms, marine armament and electronic warfare. They also recognized the importance of protecting critical infrastructures and their related supply chains through the strengthening of industrial resilience.
The two sides agreed to examine the feasibility of establishing an annual high level military structured dialogue, complementing the work of the Joint Defence Committee and the Military Cooperation Group, and to promote joint exercises and inter-force courses.
Both leaders agreed to launch a Dialogue on Maritime Security, with the aim of increasing maritime security cooperation, coordination, and the exchange of information and best practices in the maritime domain.
7.Security:
The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated their commitment to cooperate in the fight against terrorists and terrorist groups and their affiliates including those listed in the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions regime. They called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with the Financial Action Task Force’s guidelines. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together at the UN, FATF and other multilateral platforms.
Both leaders welcomed the first meeting of the Permanent Task Force between India and Italy on countering the financing of terrorism and the upcoming meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
Both leaders welcomed the conclusion of an MoU between the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the Directorate of Enforcement of India and looked forward to early conclusion of the Agreement on Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information and the Agreement on strengthening of Police Cooperation. They also welcomed the ongoing discussions on other agreements including Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
8.Migration and Mobility:
The two leaders agreed to enhance mobility of students, researchers and skilled workers, particularly in STEM sectors, and to expand cooperation on skills development, in line with the needs of the labour market, including through a specific Joint Declaration of Intent on the facilitation of mobility of nurses from India to Italy. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing discussions between relevant agencies on Social Security Agreement (SSA).
They welcomed the launch of “ICI – Italy Calls India: a University-Enterprise talent bridge” aimed at enhancing the talent of Indian students enrolled in Italian universities by offering concrete pathways for guidance, matching, and qualified integration into Italian enterprises.
They also discussed the possibility of strengthening the cooperation to fight against irregular migration, labour exploitation and human trafficking to ensure safe and legal migration.
9.Culture and Educational Exchanges:
The two leaders highlighted culture as a key pillar of bilateral dialogue and welcomed the signing of an MoU regarding Italy’s participation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. They acknowledged the Indian National Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale in 2026. They expressed their intention to celebrate 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Tourism between Italy and India”, which will feature a broad calendar of initiatives, and pave the way to a major exhibition on ancient cultural relations between Italy and India to be co-organized by the two Ministries of Culture.
The two leaders encouraged the organization of an Italy–India Cultural Forum, bringing together institutions, experts, and representatives of the creative industries. The two leaders appreciated the launching of the twinning program between Indian and Italian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the protection, enhancement and management of cultural heritage.
The two leaders agreed to further develop the film and audio-visual cooperation between the two Nations, building on the strength and innovative capacities of their industries and on the legal framework provided by the bilateral co-production agreement.
The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their intention to strengthening cooperation in higher education and welcomed the adoption of the Indo-Italian Roadmap on Higher Education and Research. Prime Minister Modi invited Italian universities and institutions of excellence to open campuses in India under India’s New Education Policy.
10.India-EU Relations:
The Leaders welcomed the new Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda agreed at the India–EU Summit on 27 January 2026 and the conclusion of negotiations of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement which would elevate ties to a new level by enhancing market access, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening economic security and resilience through diversified value chains and new market opportunities.
They also reaffirmed their support for strengthening the India–EU Trade and Technology Council as a key platform for cooperation in trade, critical technologies, and economic security. The leaders welcomed the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership and appreciated progress in mobility cooperation, including the MoU on a Comprehensive Framework for Mobility.
11.Multilateral Cooperation:
Both Leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the United Nations to make it more representative and suited to present-day realities.
Both Leaders emphasized the importance of working together in the United Nations and other global platforms including G20 to protect multilateralism and uphold a rules-based international order.
Recognizing the strategic priority both countries attach to Africa, the two Prime Ministers agreed to work together in trilateral initiatives with African partners in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, connectivity and infrastructure and renewable energy in line with India’s development partnership in Africa and Italy’s Mattei Plan.
The Leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in line with international law, including UNCLOS. They look forward to their continued partnership in Science and Technology and Academic cooperation pillar of Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives.
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the situation in the West Asia/the Middle East and its effects in the region as well as the rest of the world. The leaders welcomed the ceasefire announced on 8 April 2026 and underlined the importance of de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy for a lasting peace in the West Asia/the Middle East. They also called for freedom of navigation and the resumption of global flows through Strait of Hormuz.
Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences. They agreed to continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
12.Conclusion:
Noting the impressive growth and deepening of India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further expand cooperation across all sectors and continue close high-level consultations on key global and regional developments.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the warm hospitality extended by the Government and the people of the Italian Republic and invited Prime Minister Meloni to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
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6.######Press Statement by the PM during the Joint Press Statement with the PM of Italy: 20 May, 2026: Print News. //////
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VIDEO: PM Modi, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni attend joint press meet
Press Statement by the PM during the Joint Press Statement with the PM of Italy
Your Excellency, Prime Minister मेलोनी,
दोनों देशों के delegates,
मीडिया के साथियों,
नमस्कार!
बोनजोर्नो!
मेरे और मेरे delegation के भव्य स्वागत के लिए मैं Prime Minister मेलोनी का हृदय से आभार व्यक्त करता हूँ।
रोम को विश्व में Eternal City के रूप में जाना जाता है। भारत में मेरी लोकसभा constituency काशी, उसको को भी अनादि और शाश्वत नगर माना जाता है। जब दो सभ्यताएं मिलती हैं, तो बातचीत केवल अजेन्डा तक सीमित नहीं होती। इसमें इतिहास की गहराई, भविष्य की दृष्टि और मित्रता की सहजता, तीनों साथ दिखाई देते हैं।
Friends,
पिछले लगभग साढ़े तीन वर्षों में मुझे कयी बार Prime Minister मेलोनी से मिलने का अवसर मिला है। यह भारत और इटली के बीच करीबी सहयोग और सामंजस्य को दर्शाता है। उनके नेतृत्व में हमारे संबंधों को नई गति, नई दिशा और नया आत्म-विश्वास मिला है। मुझे ख़ुशी है कि हम अपने संबंधों को अपग्रेड करते हुए Special Strategic Partnership की घोषणा कर रहे हैं।
Friends,
आज की बैठक में हमने हमारी भावी साझेदारी को और सशक्त बनाने के लिए विस्तृत रूप से चर्चा की। भारत-इटली Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 हमारी साझेदारी को एक practical और futuristic ढांचा प्रदान करता है। हम इस पर समयबद्ध तरीके से आगे बढ़ रहे है। हमारे साझा प्रयासों में द्विपक्षीय व्यापार बीस बिलियन यूरो के लक्ष्य की ओर तेजी से बढ़ रहा है।
भारत में मौजूद आठ सौ से अधिक Italian companies भारत की growth story में सक्रिय भागीदार बन रही हैं। आज आयोजित किया जा रहा business फोरम से यह स्पष्ट है कि दोनों देशों के business लीडर्स में एक नया उत्साह, नया confidence और नया ambition है। इटली विश्व में design और precision के लिए जाना जाता है।
भारत की पहचान scale, talent और affordable innovation के powerhouse की है। इसलिए हम Design and Develop in India and Italy, and Deliver for the World के सिद्धांत पर आगे बढ़ेंगे। Fashion से लेकर fintech तक, leather से लेकर logistics तक, mobility से लेकर manufacturing तक, हर क्षेत्र में हम अपनी ताकतों को जोड़कर पूरी मानवता की भलाई के लिए काम करेंगे।
India-EU FTA के समापन में इटली से मिले सहयोग के लिए मैं Prime Minister मेलोनी का विशेष रूप से आभार व्यक्त करता हूँ। हम मिलकर इसके जल्द से जल्द implementation के लिए काम करेंगे जिससे business communities इसका पूरा लाभ उठा सकें।
Friends,
Technology और innovation हमारी partnership का engine है। AI, quantum, space और civil nuclear energy जैसे क्षेत्रों में हमारे सहयोग की अपार संभावनाएं हैं। दोनों देशों के startups, research centres और उद्योगों को आपस में जोड़ने के लिए हम India-Italy Innovation Centre पर काम कर रहे हैं।
Friends,
रक्षा और सुरक्षा के क्षेत्रों में करीबी सहयोग हमारे गहरे आपसी विश्वास का प्रतीक है। हमारी सेनाओं के साथ-साथ दोनों देशों के रक्षा उद्योगों के बीच भी सहयोग बढ़ रहा है। हमारे Defence Industrial Roadmap से co-development और co-production का मार्ग प्रशस्त हुआ है।
Maritime powers के रूप में भारत और इटली के बीच Connectivity के क्षेत्र में करीबी सहयोग स्वाभाविक है। हम मिलकर shipping, ports modernisation, logistics और blue economy पर काम करेंगे।
हमने अपनी win win साझेदारी को तीसरे देशों तक ले जाने पर भी चर्चा की। इस दिशा में आगे बढ़ते हुए हम अफ्रीका में ठोस प्रोजेक्ट्स पर काम करने के लिए सहमत हुए।
Friends,
भारत और इटली एकमत हैं कि आतंकवाद मानवता के लिए गंभीर चुनौती है। Terror financing के खिलाफ हमारी साझा पहल ने पूरे विश्व के सामने एक महत्वपूर्ण उदाहरण प्रस्तुत किया है। भारत और इटली ने यह स्पष्ट संदेश दिया है कि responsible democracies केवल आतंकवाद की निंदा नहीं करतीं, बल्कि उसके financial networks को तोड़ने के लिए भी ठोस कदम उठाती हैं। यूक्रेन, पश्चिम एशिया तथा अन्य तनावों को लेकर हम लगातार संपर्क में रहे हैं। भारत का मत स्पष्ट है कि सभी समस्याओं का समाधान dialogue और diplomacy के माध्यम से होना चाहिए।
Friends,
हमारे ऐतिहासिक सांस्कृतिक और people to people संबंधों की झलक दोनों देशों में कदम-कदम पर दिखाई देती है। इटली में भारतीय कला, योग, आयुर्वेद और खान-पान के प्रति आकर्षण बढ़ रहा है। संस्कृत और लैटिन जैसी प्राचीन भाषाएं एक ही भाषा परिवार से आती हैं। यह दर्शाता है कि हमारा रिश्ता केवल diplomacy का नहीं, साझी धरोहर का है।
अगले वर्ष भारत और इटली के संबंधों की 80वीं anniversary के उपलक्ष्य में Year of Culture मनाया जाएगा। इससे हमारे सांस्कृतिक संबंधों को और ताकत मिलेगी। इटली में बड़ी संख्या में रह रहे भारतीय मूल के लोग हमारे संबंधों की जीवंत कड़ी हैं। उनकी देखरेख के लिए Prime Minister मेलोनी और इटली के लोगों का मैं हृदय से धन्यवाद करता हूँ।
तीन साल पहले किए गए Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement से दोनों देशों के लोगों के बीच आवाजाही बढ़ी है।
Excellency,
आज की बहुत ही उपयोगी बैठक के लिए, और आपकी मित्रता के लिए, मैं एक बार फिर आपका हृदय से आभार व्यक्त करता हूँ। 140 करोड़ भारतवासियों की ओर से मैं आपको भारत आने का एक बार फिर से निमंत्रण देता हूँ।
बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।
ग्राज़िये मिले!
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7.#######PM pens a joint op-ed with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on India-Sweden relations: 20 May, 2026Print News. ///////
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PM highlights that the partnership is shaping a new era of cooperation guided by innovation and sustainability
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today shared that he has penned a joint op-ed with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Ulf Kristersson, reflecting on how India and Sweden are shaping a new era of bilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister noted that spanning from the green transition to robust supply chains, the India-Sweden partnership is firmly guided by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity for the people of both nations.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“In an op-ed with PM Ulf Kristersson, reflected on how India and Sweden are shaping a new era of cooperation. From green transition to supply chains, the India-Sweden partnership is guided by innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity for the people of our nations.”
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8.########PM’s address at the European Round Table for Industry: 18 May, 2026: Print News.////////
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VIDEO: PM Modi, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson attend the European Round Table for Industry
PM’ s address at the European Round Table for Industry
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Your Excellency, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson,
Your Excellency Ursula von der Leyen,
Your Royal Highness,
President and CEO of the Volvo Group,
Chairman of the European Round Table for Industry,
Distinguished business leaders of Europe present here,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
First of all, I sincerely thank Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for inviting me to this Round Table. I am pleased that this meeting is being held in Gothenburg – a city that is not only known for innovation but also stands as a vibrant symbol of Europe’s manufacturing spirit.
Friends,
It is an honour for me to address a distinguished platform such as the European Round Table for Industry.
I have met some of you before, while I am meeting some of you for the first time today. But one thing is certain – all of you are connected with India in one way or another.
For some, manufacturing operations are based in India. For others, research and development activities are in India. Some have their talent base in India, while others have supply chains linked to India. And many among you are making major investments in India. Today’s meeting is an opportunity to further strengthen this partnership.
Friends,
Today, relations between India and Europe stand at a new turning point. At the governmental level, we have established an ambitious and strategic agenda.
Consensus has been reached on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement. As Ursula von der Leyen said, this truly is the “Mother of all Deals.” Our endeavour is to ensure its implementation at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Security and Defence Partnership, as well as the Mobility Agreement, have also given a new direction to our cooperation. The India-EU Trade and Technology Council has provided new institutional strength to our partnership. India and Europe are working together across areas such as digital technologies, supply chains, and innovation.
Historic initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor are accelerating connectivity and economic integration. Our thinking and priorities are also aligned with regard to green transition and sustainable growth.
In other words, if we look at the bigger picture, there is deep political, economic, and strategic convergence between us. India and Europe are strategic partners for a balanced, secure, and sustainable world.
But friends,
Governments can only provide the framework, institutional support, and policy direction. Real transformation at the ground level can only be achieved through the efforts of all of you. That is why I am here today to invite you to work together with India.
As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India today is moving forward with a renewed sense of confidence. India is a nation of 1.4 billion aspirations. Our young population, expanding middle class, and rapid infrastructure expansion are giving new momentum to India’s growth.
Over the past twelve years, India has advanced with the mantra of “Reform, Perform, and Transform.” Backed by the government’s political will, this reform express is moving ahead at full speed.
The Goods and Services Tax has taken India forward towards the vision of “One Nation, One Tax, One Market.” The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code has brought greater accountability to business culture. Corporate tax reforms have made manufacturing more competitive, while labour codes have simplified and made compliance more transparent.
FDI reforms have opened numerous sectors to global capital. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have created strong manufacturing momentum across sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, auto components, solar modules, telecommunications, and textiles.
We have reduced the burden of compliances and abolished thousands of outdated regulations. Ease of Doing Business has been made an integral part of governance. The Digital India initiative has made public services more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
Today, India has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Our startups are developing global solutions in areas such as AI, fintech, space, drones, biotech, climate technology, and mobility.
Today, India has talent, scale, demand, and stability – and above all, India has the determination and aspirations of 1.4 billion people. That is why the time has now come for us to move from intent to investment.
In this regard, I would like to place five suggestions before you.
First: Telecom and digital infrastructure. Companies such as Vodafone, Ericsson, Nokia, and Orange have extensive experience in India. India can become a major partner in the transition from 5G to 6G, AI-enabled networks, secure connectivity, and digital inclusion. All of you can contribute towards making India a global R&D hub.
Second: AI, semiconductors, electronics, and deep-tech manufacturing. Leaders such as ASML, NXP Semiconductors, SAP, and Capgemini are present here today. I invite all of you to become partners in India’s rapidly evolving end-to-end technology ecosystem.
India’s vision is clear: the next wave of technological innovation should be co-created in India.
Third: Green transition and clean energy. In an uncertain global environment, India is focusing on strengthening energy security and expanding clean energy capacity. Companies such as ENGIE, TotalEnergies, Shell, and Umicore are global leaders in clean energy, hydrogen, energy storage, electric vehicles, and decarbonisation. You can make large-scale investments in India.
Fourth: infrastructure, mobility, and urban transformation. Volvo Group, Maersk, Airbus, Saab AB, ArcelorMittal, and Heidelberg — the expertise of all these companies is directly aligned with India’s transformation. In areas such as sustainable cement, green steel, mobility, logistics, aerospace, and defence, the partnership between India and Europe can deliver world-class outcomes.
Fifth: healthcare and life sciences. Companies such as AstraZeneca, Roche, Merck, Philips, Nestlé, and Unilever have shared a long-standing relationship with India. Now, we must take this partnership to the next level.
There is immense scope in vaccines, cancer care, digital health, nutrition, and medical devices. You can move forward with the model of “Design for India, Make in India, and Export from India.”
Due to the constraints of time, I could not mention every company present here, but the opportunities in India are for everyone, and my invitation is extended to all of you.
Friends,
After placing these suggestions before you, I would also like to present a challenge. Can every company present here make a new major commitment towards India? Can we identify flagship projects to be launched in India over the next five years?
The Government of India will extend its full support to ensure the timely implementation of all these projects. We can also establish an institutional mechanism for the regular review and monitoring of these initiatives.
Friends,
We can organise an India–Europe CEO Roundtable once every year. Industry bodies from both India and Europe can be associated with this platform, and sector-specific working groups can also be established.
I would also suggest that the European Round Table for Industry create an India Desk or an India Action Group. Its mandate can be simple: to support the expansion of companies already operating in India; to facilitate the entry of new companies wishing to invest in India; and to proactively address business concerns.
Friends,
The partnership between India and Europe is not confined merely to economic figures. It is a partnership based on shared values. It is a partnership of democracy and diversity. It is a partnership of trust and transparency. It is a partnership of innovation and inclusion.
At a time when the world is facing uncertainty, supply chains are under pressure, technological competition is intensifying, and both energy security and climate action are being challenged, India and Europe together can emerge as strong pillars of stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
With this spirit, I invite all of you to become partners in India’s development journey. I am confident that the dialogue beginning today in Gothenburg will, in the years ahead, write a new chapter in the industrial partnership between India and Europe.
I sincerely thank all of you for participating here in such large numbers and for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you at this summit. I express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you.
Thank you very much.
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JAY HIND
JAY BHARATHAM
BHARAT MATHA KI JAI.
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