New Delhi [India], December 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday held bilateral talks with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, describing Italy as “one of India’s closest partners” and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to countering terror financing.
In his opening remarks in New Delhi, Jaishankar thanked Italy for its support following last month’s terror incident in the capital and highlighted progress in strengthening security cooperation. “I want to thank you also for the message of solidarity from the government of Italy when we had this terror incident last month in New Delhi,” he said.
The two countries are collaborating to counter the financing of terrorism, leveraging their partnership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). “Recently, when our Prime Ministers met at the G20 in Johannesburg, we announced the joint initiative to counter financing of terrorism. That was a very positive step. We work with Italy. We regard you as one of our closest partners in that, including in the FATF,” Jaishankar added.
Highlighting the growing momentum in India-Italy ties, Jaishankar noted Tajani’s frequent visits as a sign of deepening partnership. “The fact that you come here so often is very welcome for us. It shows a very strong commitment. It has led to a very good relationship between us personally, between our governments,” he said. “Our partnership is built on democratic values, respect for civilisation, culture, heritage, and our commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous world.”
Jaishankar also highlighted Tajani’s upcoming meetings with Indian industry leaders and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai, expressing hope for productive discussions as both nations advance the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29. “A big part of it was the economic collaboration. You have taken leadership in moving that. I’m sure you will have very, very good discussions,” he said.
Further, Jaishankar detailed subjects India hopes to advance under the strategic partnership, emphasising political, defence, maritime security, space, culture, critical technologies, and people-to-people ties. He also mentioned cooperation on regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the Ukraine conflict.
Tajani arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day for his second visit to India this year, signalling deepening diplomatic engagement. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed him on X, noting that his programmes in Delhi and Mumbai would further bolster the India-Italy Strategic Partnership.
The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s November 23 meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where cooperation in trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space, and education was reviewed. Tajani will travel to Mumbai on Thursday to continue meetings aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties.
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