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PM Modi participates in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024

Published By : Admin | October 2, 2024 | 10:10 IST
Lays foundation stone and launches several sanitation and cleanliness projects worth about Rs 10,000 crore
“As we mark Ten Years of Swachh Bharat, I salute the unwavering spirit of 140 crore Indians for making cleanliness a 'Jan Andolan'”
“Clean India is the world's biggest and most successful mass movement in this century”
“Impact that the Swachh Bharat Mission has had on the lives of common people of the country is priceless”
“Number of infectious diseases among women has reduced significantly due to Swachh Bharat Mission”
“Huge psychological change in the country due to the growing prestige of cleanliness”
“Now cleanliness is becoming a new path to prosperity”
“Swachh Bharat Mission has given new impetus to the circular economy”
“Mission of cleanliness is not a one day ritual but a lifelong ritual”
“Hatred towards filth can make us more forceful and stronger towards cleanliness”
“Let us take an oath that wherever we live, be it our home, our neighbourhood or our workplace, we will maintain cleanliness”

Marking the completion of 10 years of the launch of one of the most significant mass movements for cleanliness - the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today participated in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 program on the occasion of 155th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Shri Modi launched and laid the foundation stone for several sanitation and cleanliness projects worth over Rs 9600 crore including projects under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, National Mission for Clean Ganga and GOBARdhan Scheme. The theme for Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 is ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata’.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister noted the birth anniversaries of Pujya Bapu and Lal Bahadur Shastri ji and paid his respects to the sons of Maa Bharti. Shri Modi underlined that today’s occasion is a source of inspiration to realize the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and other great personalities in a collective manner.

The Prime Minister said that he is filled with a sense of duty yet he is emotional at the same time on the 2nd of October. Marking the completion of 10 years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said, “The journey of Swachh Bharat Mission is a symbol of the unwavering commitment of crores of Indians.” He highlighted the high public support garnered by this movement in the last 10 years and said that every citizen of the country made it their own mission - a part of their lives. On the milestone of 10 years of Swachh Bharat, the Prime Minister praised the efforts of safaimitras, religious leaders, athletes, celebrities, NGOs and the media among others in transforming the Swachh Bharat Mission into a huge public movement. He also noted the contributions of the President of India and the Vice President of India, both former and present, towards Swachh Bharat in the form of Shramdaan, and thanked them for inspiring the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted the numerous cleanliness activities taking place today in villages, cities, and colonies, and also noted the active participation of state ministers, leaders and representatives. He informed that crores of people have taken part in the Swachhta hi Seva program in this edition of Swachhta Pakhwada, he said in the 15 days of Seva Pakhwada, more than 27 lakh programs were organized all over the country witnessing the participation of 28 crore people. Stressing the need for continuous efforts to keep India clean, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards every citizen of India.

Marking today’s important milestone, the Prime Minister highlighted that projects worth about Rs. 10,000 crore related to cleanliness have been started. He added that as part of ‘Mission Amrit’, water and sewage treatment plants would be set up in many cities. The Prime Minister underlined that be it the Namami Gange or the GobarDhan project of converting organic waste to biogas, will propel Swachh Bharat Mission to new heights. “The more successful the Swachh Bharat Mission is, the more our country will shine”, exclaimed Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister underscored that the Swachh Bharat Mission will be remembered even after 1000 years when a study on India will be conducted. “Swachh Bharat mission is this century’s biggest and most successful people's movement with people's participation and people's leadership”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He added that this mission had revealed the true energy and potential of the people to him. Shri Modi remarked that for him, cleanliness had become a festival of realization of people's power. The Prime Minister recollected how lakhs of people joined hands when the Swachhta Abhiyan was started, be it marriage or a public function or any other place, the message of cleanliness was spread effectively. He said there were instances where old mothers had sold their cattle to build a toilet, some women had sold their mangalsutra, few people had sold their land, some retired teachers had donated their pension, some retired army personnel had donated their retirement benefits for the mission of cleanliness. The Prime Minister remarked that if the same donation was given to a temple or in any function, then it would have been a major headline in newspapers. He added that the country should know that there are lakhs of people, whose face was never shown on TV or their name was never published in the newspaper, who had donated their money and valuable time to make this mission successful. Shri Modi said that all these instances reflect the character of India. Shri Modi highlighted that many people reignited the tradition of using jute and cloth bags while going to shop when he gave the clarion call to stop the usage of single-use plastic. He added that he was thankful to the people along with the industries involved in production of single-use plastic for joining hands and supporting the initiative. He also thanked the political parties which supported the initiative.

The Prime Minister noted the contributions of India’s film industry in the last 10 years in propagating the message of cleanliness in the form of films and underlined that such work should be carried out not just once but from one generation to the other. He gave the example of raising the issues of cleanliness around 800 times in his Mann Ki Baat program where people brought it to the forefront.

The Prime Minister noted the efforts of the people towards cleanliness today and said, “The path towards cleanliness was shown by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle”, as he raised the issue of neglect towards Swachhta by previous governments since India’s independence. He said those who used Mahatma Gandhi for their political benefits and vote bank have now forgotten his subject of interest. He said that filth and lack of toilets were never considered as a national issue. As a result, said the Prime Minister, there were no discussions about it in society and dirt became a part of life. He also recalled facing criticism after raising this issue from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said, “Prime Minister’s first priority is to make the lives of common citizens easier”, as he underlined his responsibility to talk about toilets and sanitary pads. He added that its results can be witnessed today.

Pointing out that more than 60 percent of India’s population was compelled to defecate in the open due to a lack of toilets until ten years ago, the Prime Minister said that it was against human dignity and disrespectful towards the country’s poor, dalits, tribals and backward communities which continued from one generation to the other. Shri Modi noted the sufferings of mothers, sisters and daughters due to the lack of toilets and also pointed out the threats to their health and safety. He said that the filth caused by open defecation had endangered the lives of children and was a major cause of child mortality.

Remarking that it was difficult for the nation to continue in such a pitiful situation, Shri Modi said that they decided that things will not continue as they are. He added that this Government considered it a national and human challenge and launched a campaign to solve it and this was where the seed of Swachh Bharat Mission was sown. He further added that within no time, crores of Indians did wonders. The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 12 crore toilets were built in the country and the scope of toilet coverage reached 100 percent from previously less than 40 percent.

The Prime Minister underlined that the impact of Swachh Bharat Mission on the lives of common people of the country was priceless. Quoting a recent study from a famous international journal conducted jointly by scientists from International Food Policy Research Institute Washington, University of California and Ohio State University, Shri Modi said that it has come to light that Swachh Bharat Mission is saving the lives of 60 to 70 thousand children every year. He added that according to WHO, between 2014 and 2019, 3 lakh lives were saved, which would have been lost due to diarrhea. Quoting UNICEF reports, he underlined that due to the construction of toilets in the house, now more than 90 percent of women felt safe and the diseases caused by infection in women had also reduced considerably due to Swachh Bharat Mission. Shri Modi further added that due to the construction of separate toilets for girls in lakhs of schools, the dropout rate had reduced. Quoting another study by UNICEF, he noted that due to cleanliness, an average of 50 thousand rupees was being saved every year by families in villages which earlier was spent as out of pocket expenditure to cure diseases.

Highlighting the public awareness brought about by the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Prime Minister gave the example of child deaths in Gorakhpur due to brain fever that were addressed with emphasis on cleanliness.

The Prime Minister underlined that the rise in the prestige of cleanliness has brought about a huge psychological change in the country. He mentioned the change in thinking brought by the Swachh Bharat Mission and gave the example of people involved in cleaning work who were looked down upon earlier. “When the cleaners got respect, they too felt proud of their role in changing the country. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has brought pride to lakhs of Safai Mitras”, the Prime Minister remarked noting the government’s commitment to a dignified life and safety for Safai Mitras. Shri Modi endeavoured to eliminate the problems arising due to manual entry in septic tanks and informed that the government is working together with the private and public sectors in this regard. “We are also encouraging professionals and startups”, he added.

Highlighting the widely expanding scope of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Modi remarked that it was not just a cleanliness program and today cleanliness was creating a new path to prosperity.

He added that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was also creating employment on a large scale in the country and in the past years, many sectors have benefited from the construction of crores of toilets and many people were employed. He further added that many people like masons, plumbers, labourers were employed in villages. Shri Modi noted that UNICEF estimates that about 1.25 crore people were employed in one form or another due to this mission. He highlighted that a new generation of women masons was a huge outcome of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and our youth were also getting better jobs and better opportunities through clean-tech. He added that currently about 5 thousand start-ups related to clean-tech were registered. Shri Modi emphasized that many new opportunities were being created in the water and sanitation sector, be it waste to wealth, collection and transportation of waste, reuse and recycling of water. He added that it was estimated that by the end of this decade, 65 lakh new jobs would be created in this sector and Swachh Bharat Mission would definitely play a significant role in this.

“Swachh Bharat Mission has given a significant boost to the circular economy in India”, the Prime Minister said highlighting that waste generated from households is now being converted into valuable resources. He said that compost, biogas, electricity, and materials like charcoal used in road construction are being produced from household waste. The Prime Minister spoke on the success of the Gobardhan Yojana, which has been a key driver of change in rural and urban areas alike and informed that hundreds of biogas plants have been installed across villages under the Gobardhan Yojana where animal waste is being converted into biogas. He further added that hundreds of Compressed Biogas plants have also been set up nationwide. Today, several new CBG plants were inaugurated, and new projects were also laid out to further expand this initiative.

Addressing future challenges, PM Modi emphasized the importance of adapting to the fast-paced changes in the economy and urbanization. He stressed enhancing strategies to ensure efficient waste management to counter rapid urbanization and waste generation. He also stressed the need for the development of technologies in construction that promote the use of recycled materials and designs for housing complexes that ensure zero or minimal waste discharge. Shri Modi emphasized making efforts to ensure water is not misused and wastewater is treated before use. Terming the Namami Gange Mission as a model for river cleanliness, the Prime Minister said that Ganga river is significantly cleaner today. He noted Amrit Mission and Amrit Sarovar initiatives bringing about substantial change and underscored the importance of continued investment in new technologies for water conservation, treatment, and river cleanliness. PM Modi highlighted the link between cleanliness and tourism, noting that clean tourist destinations and heritage sites can enhance the visitor experience. He said that it is vital to keep our tourist spots, places of faith, and heritage sites clean and well-maintained.

Reflecting on the progress made over the last decade, the Prime Minister remarked, “We have achieved much in these ten years of Swachh Bharat, but our mission is not yet complete. True change happens when every citizen embraces cleanliness as their duty and responsibility.” Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the Swachh Bharat Mission and called for the continued participation of every citizen to achieve a cleaner India. He said that the mission of cleanliness is not a one-day ritual but a lifelong ritual and must be brought forward from generation to generation. Cleanliness should be an instinct of every citizen and it should be done every day”, the Prime Minister said. He exhorted the children of the next generation to not stop until India becomes truly clean.

The Prime Minister also called upon state governments to intensify their efforts by implementing cleanliness initiatives at the district, block, village, and local levels. He suggested conducting competitions for the cleanest schools, hospitals, and offices across districts and blocks. He said that municipalities must ensure well-maintained public toilets and that the cleanliness systems do not revert to old practices. He also urged local bodies to prioritize sanitation infrastructure and its upkeep. PM Modi encouraged all citizens to take a pledge to maintain cleanliness wherever they are, whether at home, in their neighborhood, or at their workplace. “Just as we keep our places of worship clean, we must instill the same sense of devotion to cleanliness in our surroundings”, he said, highlighting the role of cleanliness in the journey toward Viksit Bharat. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in achieving the objectives and exhorted the citizens to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by following his principles with new energy and enthusiasm.

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu and Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary were present on the occasion.

Background

During the programme, the Prime Minister launched and laid the foundation stone for several projects related to sanitation and cleanliness, worth over Rs 9600 crore. It will include projects worth over Rs 6,800 crore, aimed at enhancing urban water and sewage systems under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, 10 projects worth over Rs 1550 crore focused on improving water quality and waste management in Ganga basin areas under National Mission for Clean Ganga and 15 Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant projects worth over Rs 1332 crore under GOBARdhan Scheme.

The Swachh Bharat Diwas program showcases India's decade-long sanitation achievements and those in the recently concluded Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. It will also set the stage for the next phase of this national endeavour. It will also include nationwide participation from local government bodies, women’s groups, youth organizations and community leaders ensuring the spirit of Sampoorna Swachhata reaches every corner of India.

The theme for Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata’, has once again united the nation in its commitment to cleanliness, public health, and environmental sustainability. Under Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, over 19.70 lakh programs have been completed with public participation of more than 17 crore people. Transformation of around 6.5 lakh Cleanliness Target Units has been achieved. Nearly 1 lakh SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs have also been organized, benefitting over 30 lakh Safai Mitras. Further, over 45 lakh trees have been planted under the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam campaign.

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India-Italy Joint Declaration
May 20, 2026

At the invitation of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid an official visit to Italy on 19-20 May 2026. The visit, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Italy in June 2024 for the G7 Summit and Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to India for the G20 Summit in 2023, provided renewed momentum to the bilateral ties. The two leaders decided to elevate India-Italy relations to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership.

Political Dialogue

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the strong momentum of high-level exchanges and agreed to hold annual meetings of leaders including on the sidelines of multilateral events, as well as regular Ministerial and institutional-level meetings.

They appreciated the concrete progress achieved across the diverse pillars of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 adopted by the two leaders in their meeting during the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. They agreed to establish Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to review the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and provide strategic guidance to India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership.

Economic Cooperation and Investments

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing dynamism of bilateral economic and industrial cooperation, with three high level business fora held since the last year. Building on the opportunities arising from India’s rapid and consistent economic growth and the successful conclusion of the negotiations for the EU–India Free Trade Agreement, they reaffirmed the shared objective of expanding bilateral trade in both direction with aim to reach to € 20 billion by 2029.

They welcomed the increase of bilateral investments in key sectors and encouraged the respective industries to forge industrial and technology partnerships in order to build resilient supply chains. They welcomed the prospect of greater investments, particularly in textiles, clean technologies, semiconductors, automotive, energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, digital technologies, critical raw materials, steel, ports and infrastructure. They encouraged industries to utilize the policy incentives and schemes in place in both countries which seek to enhance business linkages and production facilities.

Both Prime Ministers agreed to encourage dialogue and cooperation among stock exchanges, investment funds, venture capital, banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

They agreed to facilitate industrial partnerships, including between SMEs, to foster deeper integration of supply chains. They encouraged new sectoral missions in the coming months in priority areas of mutual interest.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Critical Minerals. They agreed to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in field of critical minerals by establishing a structured framework for collaboration, with particular emphasis on sustainability and resilient supply chains. They underscored the importance of promoting joint efforts in recovery of critical minerals from unconventional sources, including electronic waste and mine tailings, as an integral component of circular economy initiatives. They also expressed satisfaction on signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of agriculture and agricultural research between respective ministries and institutions.

Connectivity

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), recognising its transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. Appreciating the preliminary discussions around the project, they encouraged the first IMEC Ministerial meeting to take concrete steps for advancing this initiative in 2026.

They welcomed the signing of an MoU on maritime transport and ports and directed their respective ministries/departments to establish a joint working group to implement the MoU at the earliest.

Science, Technology, Innovation, Start-ups and Artificial Intelligence

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that innovation, science and technology are core drivers of the India-Italy partnership.

They announced the creation of INNOVIT India, an innovation hub located in India aimed at strengthening cooperation between the respective innovation ecosystems, support startup acceleration programs, market access and business matching, joint research, university collaboration, and talent mobility in sectors including fintech, healthcare, semiconductors, logistics and supply chains, agritech, energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders welcomed the inaugural Science and Innovation Dialogue between Indian and Italian universities and research centres held in Delhi in April 2025 and look forward to holding its next edition in Italy later this year.

Both leaders underlined the importance of an open, free, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment, which is an enabler for innovation and economic growth. PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s constructive participation in the AI Impact Summit that took place on 19th February 2026 in New Delhi. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a human-centric, secure, trustworthy and robust Artificial Intelligence. They agreed to collaborate in this domain including in third countries.

The two Prime Ministers placed particular emphasis on opportunities for cooperation in the field of supercomputing.

Building on the 2025–2027 Executive Program for Scientific Cooperation, they supported the implementation of joint projects and the facilitation of mobility of researchers in area of quantum technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable blue economy. They also welcomed the ongoing implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of scientific research and the launching of a joint call for proposals to fund research projects.

The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the longstanding scientific collaboration between the Indian Academia and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste and welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the Elettra Sincrotrone center in Trieste, Italy in support of activities related to the access of synchrotron radiation facility at Elettra for Indian researchers.

Space

While appreciating the ongoing collaboration between Italian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation, the two leaders agreed to strengthen the partnership on Earth observation, heliophysics and space exploration, with focused thematic engagement and to explore cooperation on access to space and protection of space infrastructures. They expressed satisfaction with the recent reciprocal visits of their respective space industry delegations and looked forward to further promote commercial collaboration through exchanges of experts and joint initiatives also in third countries.

Defence

Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the deepening of defence cooperation including through Ministerial exchanges, service-to-service ties, port visits, and welcomed the adoption of a Joint Declaration of Intent and a Defence Industrial Roadmap which will promote partnerships for technological cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, including helicopters, naval platforms, marine armament and electronic warfare. They also recognized the importance of protecting critical infrastructures and their related supply chains through the strengthening of industrial resilience.

The two sides agreed to examine the feasibility of establishing an annual high level military structured dialogue, complementing the work of the Joint Defence Committee and the Military Cooperation Group, and to promote joint exercises and inter-force courses.

Both leaders agreed to launch a Dialogue on Maritime Security, with the aim of increasing maritime security cooperation, coordination, and the exchange of information and best practices in the maritime domain.

Security

The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated their commitment to cooperate in the fight against terrorists and terrorist groups and their affiliates including those listed in the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions regime. They called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with the Financial Action Task Force’s guidelines. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together at the UN, FATF and other multilateral platforms.

Both leaders welcomed the first meeting of the Permanent Task Force between India and Italy on countering the financing of terrorism and the upcoming meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.

Both leaders welcomed the conclusion of an MoU between the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the Directorate of Enforcement of India and looked forward to early conclusion of the Agreement on Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information and the Agreement on strengthening of Police Cooperation. They also welcomed the ongoing discussions on other agreements including Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

Migration and Mobility

The two leaders agreed to enhance mobility of students, researchers and skilled workers, particularly in STEM sectors, and to expand cooperation on skills development, in line with the needs of the labour market, including through a specific Joint Declaration of Intent on the facilitation of mobility of nurses from India to Italy. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing discussions between relevant agencies on Social Security Agreement (SSA).

They welcomed the launch of "ICI - Italy Calls India: a University-Enterprise talent bridge” aimed at enhancing the talent of Indian students enrolled in Italian universities by offering concrete pathways for guidance, matching, and qualified integration into Italian enterprises.

They also discussed the possibility of strengthening the cooperation to fight against irregular migration, labour exploitation and human trafficking to ensure safe and legal migration.

Culture and Educational Exchanges

The two leaders highlighted culture as a key pillar of bilateral dialogue and welcomed the signing of an MoU regarding Italy’s participation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. They acknowledged the Indian National Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale in 2026. They expressed their intention to celebrate 2027 as the "Year of Culture and Tourism between Italy and India”, which will feature a broad calendar of initiatives, and pave the way to a major exhibition on ancient cultural relations between Italy and India to be co-organized by the two Ministries of Culture.

The two leaders encouraged the organization of an Italy–India Cultural Forum, bringing together institutions, experts, and representatives of the creative industries. The two leaders appreciated the launching of the twinning program between Indian and Italian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the protection, enhancement and management of cultural heritage.

The two leaders agreed to further develop the film and audio-visual cooperation between the two Nations, building on the strength and innovative capacities of their industries and on the legal framework provided by the bilateral co-production agreement.

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their intention to strengthening cooperation in higher education and welcomed the adoption of the Indo-Italian Roadmap on Higher Education and Research. Prime Minister Modi invited Italian universities and institutions of excellence to open campuses in India under India’s New Education Policy.

India-EU Relations

The Leaders welcomed the new Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda agreed at the India–EU Summit on 27 January 2026 and the conclusion of negotiations of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement which would elevate ties to a new level by enhancing market access, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening economic security and resilience through diversified value chains and new market opportunities.

They also reaffirmed their support for strengthening the India–EU Trade and Technology Council as a key platform for cooperation in trade, critical technologies, and economic security. The leaders welcomed the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership and appreciated progress in mobility cooperation, including the MoU on a Comprehensive Framework for Mobility.

Multilateral Cooperation

Both Leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the United Nations to make it more representative and suited to present-day realities.

Both Leaders emphasized the importance of working together in the United Nations and other global platforms including G20 to protect multilateralism and uphold a rules-based international order.

Recognizing the strategic priority both countries attach to Africa, the two Prime Ministers agreed to work together in trilateral initiatives with African partners in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, connectivity and infrastructure and renewable energy in line with India’s development partnership in Africa and Italy’s Mattei Plan.

The Leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in line with international law, including UNCLOS. They look forward to their continued partnership in Science and Technology and Academic cooperation pillar of Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives.

Both leaders expressed deep concern over the situation in the West Asia/the Middle East and its effects in the region as well as the rest of the world. The leaders welcomed the ceasefire announced on 8 April 2026 and underlined the importance of de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy for a lasting peace in the West Asia/the Middle East. They also called for freedom of navigation and the resumption of global flows through Strait of Hormuz.

Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences. They agreed to continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Conclusion

Noting the impressive growth and deepening of India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further expand cooperation across all sectors and continue close high-level consultations on key global and regional developments.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the warm hospitality extended by the Government and the people of the Italian Republic and invited Prime Minister Meloni to visit India at a mutually convenient time.