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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MJPS/SS/PRK