PM Modi, Italy's Meloni hold bilateral talks; announce joint initiative against terror financing

Giorgia Meloni conveyed her solidarity with India over the terror incident in Delhi and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to work together to tackle terrorism.

Updated on: Nov 24, 2025, 07:19:14 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 summit on Sunday in South Africa’s Johannesburg. The Italian prime minister expressed solidarity with India over the recent terror incident in Delhi and the two leaders also adopted the “India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism”.

In a social media post following the bilateral meeting, PM Modi wrote, “Had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The India-Italy Strategic Partnership is growing from strength to strength, greatly benefitting the people of our nations”.

PM Modi-Meloni meeting

According to a press release from the external affairs ministry, Meloni conveyed her solidarity with India over the terror incident in Delhi and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to work together to tackle terrorism.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, the two leaders also adopted the “India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism”, which aims to reflect their shared resolve to combat terrorism.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, “Their talks centred around deepening ties in trade, investment, technology, AI, defence and security, space, research, innovation and culture.”

The leaders reviewed the progress of the bilateral Strategic Partnership in areas such as trade and investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education and people to people ties. They said they were pleased with the advancements under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025 to 29, the press release said.

Jaiswal said Meloni expressed strong support for the AI Summit that India will host in 2026.

India-Italy trade is estimated at about USD 15 billion in 2023 to 2024, while Foreign Direct Investment from Italy into India has reached about USD 4 billion since 2000.

PM Modi at G20 summit

Addressing the third session of the G20 summit here, PM Modi called for a global agreement to stop the misuse of artificial intelligence and urged that critical technologies should focus on people rather than finance.

He also said technology should be “global” instead of “national” and built on “open source” rather than “exclusive models”.

The prime minister proposed a G20 initiative to support clean energy transitions by improving recycling, easing pressure on supply chains and promoting joint research on critical minerals. He also suggested creating a partnership to make satellite data easier to access and use.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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