Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday said India and Italy will work towards further developing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and announced that 2027 will be observed as the “Year of Culture and Tourism” between the two countries.
Addressing a joint press statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rome, Meloni described IMEC as a major connectivity and economic corridor linking Europe, the Middle East and India with the potential to strengthen trade, investment and supply-chain resilience.
She said the corridor, unveiled during the G20 New Delhi Summit, could create major opportunities for businesses and deepen economic relations between India and Europe.
Meloni said strengthening interconnectivity between the regions remains an important priority and added that both countries strongly support the development of the corridor.
The Italian Prime Minister said India and Italy share common views on key global challenges including international stability, economic security, resilient supply chains, peace and inclusive development.
Referring to cultural cooperation, Meloni said stronger ties between countries are measured not only through political and economic relations but also through connections between people and societies.
She announced that India and Italy would celebrate 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Tourism” to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen dialogue between the two ancient civilisations.
Meloni said the initiative would help deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
Highlighting strategic convergence, the Italian Prime Minister said India and Italy, as peninsular nations located in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions respectively, share a natural geopolitical alignment that can contribute to stronger global connectivity.
The two leaders also discussed major geopolitical developments, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia, and reiterated support for diplomatic solutions and lasting peace.
On maritime security, Meloni stressed the importance of freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and said both countries support a free, open and inclusive regional order.
She added that Italy would continue working closely with India on issues related to connectivity, stability and multilateral cooperation to address emerging global challenges.
The remarks came during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Italy, the final leg of his five-nation tour, which also included visits to Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
-ANI
