‘Very positive’: Italian Deputy PM Tajani on meeting with PM Modi

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 as “very positive” and drew attention to the strong bilateral relations between India and Italy.

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Mr. Tajani, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is on a three-day visit to India.

To talk PTI Videos After his meeting with Mr. Modi on Wednesday evening, December 10, Mr. Tajani said that the situation in West Asia is now much better and expressed his optimism regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed deepening industrial cooperation and cultural exchanges while underlining India’s key role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to reach a peaceful solution.

“India is very important in pushing Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine,” Mr. Tajani said.

The Italian Deputy Prime Minister also extended a formal invitation to Modi on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to visit Italy next year. “In 2026, he (Prime Minister Modi) will be in my country, in Italy,” Mr. Tajani said.

A significant part of the discussions focused on IMEC, a strategic initiative that envisions connectivity from India via the Middle East (including Israel and Saudi Arabia) to Europe via Italy.

When asked about delays in the IMEC project, Tajani said that the situation in the Middle East has improved significantly.

“…We need a ceasefire now. The situation is much better now for that.” He added that both India and Italy remain strongly committed to the project.

Deputy Prime Minister of Italy said, “We will start early. We need to work hard with other countries. India and Italy are strongly engaged. Now the situation in the Middle East is much better, so it is possible to move in the right direction. I am optimistic. Italy and India are at the forefront.”

Mr. Tajani also revealed that he discussed IMEC during his last visit to Saudi Arabia two weeks ago, pointing to active diplomatic efforts to advance the corridor.

Announced during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023, IMEC aims to strengthen trade connectivity between Asia, the Gulf and Europe.