Italy Backs India Against Terrorism as PM Meloni Meets PM Modi at G20 Summit

Johannesburg, Nov 2025 — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday expressed strong solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent terror incident in Delhi, reaffirming Italy’s commitment to work closely with India to combat global terrorism. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where they discussed key strategic priorities and adopted a significant new joint initiative.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Meloni conveyed Italy’s firm support to India. The statement noted, “PM Meloni expressed solidarity with India on the terror incident in Delhi and reiterated Italy’s strong commitment to work together to combat the scourge of terrorism.”

A major development from the meeting was the adoption of the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism. The initiative will strengthen bilateral cooperation in tracking and preventing terror financing and enhance collaboration across global platforms such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF). This move underscores both nations’ shared resolve to combat extremist networks and enhance international security frameworks.

The meeting also served as an opportunity for the leaders to review developments in the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, covering diverse sectors including trade, defence, security cooperation, space technology, science and innovation, education, and cultural ties. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

They welcomed the successful Business Fora hosted in New Delhi and Brescia earlier this year, which saw active participation from industries of both countries. These engagements have contributed to expanding cooperation in technology, innovation, and investment, with a focus on strengthening supply-chain resilience and competitiveness in both economies.

The leaders also acknowledged the positive impact of the recent visit by an Italian space delegation to India. The visit is expected to accelerate collaboration in space research and technology, engaging both government institutions and private sector players.

Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s strong support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and expressed confidence in the success of the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in 2026.

Sunday’s interaction reaffirmed the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Italy. Both leaders committed to continuing their dialogue and deepening cooperation across multilateral forums to uphold shared democratic values, the rule of law, and sustainable global development.