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PM Modi addresses Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme in Kevadia, Gujarat

Published By : Admin | October 31, 2025 | 08:44 IST
After Independence, Sardar Patel united over 550 princely states; For him, the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' was paramount: PM
Every thought or action that weakens the unity of our nation must be shunned by every citizen, this is the need of the hour for our country: PM
This is Iron Man Sardar Patel's India, it will never compromise on its security or its self-respect: PM
Since 2014, our government has dealt a decisive and powerful blow to Naxalism and Maoist terrorism: PM
On Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, our resolve is to remove every infiltrator living in India: PM
Today, the nation is removing every trace of a colonial mindset: PM
By honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, we are strengthening the spirit of 'Nation First': PM
To achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat, we must thwart every conspiracy that seeks to undermine the unity of the nation: PM
The four pillars of India's unity are Cultural unity, Linguistic unity, Inclusive development & Connection of hearts through connectivity: PM
The devotion to Maa Bharti is the highest form of worship for every Indian: PM

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme in Kevadia, Gujarat today. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister remarked that the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is a historic occasion. Describing the morning in Ekta Nagar as divine and the panoramic view as awe-inspiring, Shri Modi noted the collective presence at the feet of Sardar Patel and stated that the nation is witnessing a moment of great significance. He highlighted the nationwide Run for Unity and the enthusiastic participation of crores of Indians and emphasized that the resolve of New India is being tangibly felt. Referring to the events held earlier and the remarkable presentation from the previous evening, the Prime Minister observed that they reflected the traditions of the past, the labour and valour of the present, and a glimpse of future accomplishments. He informed that a commemorative coin and a special postal stamp have been released to mark Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all 140 crore citizens of the country on the occasion of Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

Prime Minister Shri Modi stated that Sardar Patel believed time should not be wasted in writing history; instead, efforts should be made to create history. He emphasized that this conviction is evident throughout Sardar Patel’s life story, highlighting that the policies and decisions taken by Sardar Patel created a new chapter in history. He recalled how Sardar Patel accomplished the seemingly impossible task of integrating over 550 princely states after independence. The idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ was paramount for Sardar Patel. Shri Modi noted that this is why Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary has naturally become a grand festival of national unity. Just as 140 crore Indians celebrate Independence Day on 15th August and Republic Day on 26th January, the significance of Ekta Diwas has now reached a similar stature. He informed that today, crores of people have taken the pledge of unity and resolved to promote actions that strengthen the unity of the nation. He added that in Ekta Nagar itself, the Ekta Mall and Ekta Garden stand as symbols reinforcing the thread of unity.

“Every action which weakens the unity of the nation must be avoided by every citizen”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stressing that this is the need of the hour and the core message of Ekta Diwas for every Indian. He highlighted that Sardar Patel placed the sovereignty of the nation above all else. However, he expressed regret that in the years following Sardar Patel’s demise, successive governments did not demonstrate the same seriousness towards national sovereignty. He pointed to the mistakes made in Kashmir, the challenges in the Northeast, and the spread of Naxal-Maoist terrorism across the country as direct threats to India’s sovereignty. The Prime Minister remarked that instead of following Sardar Patel’s policies, the governments of that era chose a spineless approach, the consequences of which were borne by the nation in the form of violence and bloodshed.

Pointing out that many in today’s younger generation may not be aware that Sardar Patel wished for the complete integration of Kashmir, just as he had successfully merged other princely states, Shri Modi stated that however the then Prime Minister did not allow this wish to be fulfilled. Shri Modi further noted that Kashmir was divided by a separate constitution and a separate emblem. He remarked that the mistake committed by the then ruling party on Kashmir engulfed the nation in turmoil for decades. Due to their weak policies, a part of Kashmir fell under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, and Pakistan further fueled terrorism. The Prime Minister emphasized that both Kashmir and the nation paid a heavy price for these missteps. Yet, he added, the then government continued to bow before terrorism.

Criticizing the current opposition party for having forgotten Sardar Patel’s vision, Shri Modi said that their party did not. He emphasized that after 2014, the nation once again witnessed a steely resolve inspired by Sardar Patel. The Prime Minister highlighted that today, Kashmir has broken free from the shackles of Article 370 and is fully integrated into the mainstream. He remarked that even Pakistan and the masterminds of terrorism have now realized the true strength of India. Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said the entire world has seen that if anyone dares to challenge India, the country responds by striking within enemy territory. He asserted that India’s response is always stronger and decisive. This, he said, is a message to the enemies of India—“this is the India of the Iron Man, Sardar Patel, and it will never compromise on its security and honour”.

“In the domain of national security, India’s greatest achievement in the past eleven years has been breaking the backbone of Naxal-Maoist terrorism”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He recalled that prior to 2014, the situation in the country was such that Naxal-Maoist groups operated their own rule from within the heart of India. In these areas, the Constitution of India did not apply, and police and administrative systems were unable to function. Shri Modi highlighted that Naxals openly issued diktats, obstructed road construction, and bombed schools, colleges, and hospitals, while the administration appeared helpless before them.

“Post 2014, our government launched a decisive offensive against Naxal-Maoist terrorism”, stated Shri Modi, emphasising that even the supporters of Naxals residing in urban areas—urban Naxals—were sidelined. He highlighted that the ideological battle was won and direct confrontation was undertaken in Naxal strongholds, adding that the results are now visible to the entire nation. The Prime Minister said, prior to 2014, around 125 districts in the country were affected by Maoist terrorism. Today, this number has reduced to just 11, with only three districts facing severe Naxal influence. From the land of Ekta Nagar, in the presence of Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister assured the nation that the government will not stop until India is completely free from Naxal-Maoist threats.

Underlining that today, the unity and internal security of the nation face a grave threat from infiltrators, the Prime Minister remarked that for decades, foreign infiltrators have entered the country, seized resources meant for citizens, disrupted demographic balance, and jeopardized national unity. He criticized previous governments for turning a blind eye to this serious issue and accused them of compromising national security for vote-bank politics. Shri Modi affirmed that for the first time, the country has resolved to fight this major threat decisively. He recalled announcing the Demography Mission from the Red Fort to address this challenge. He expressed concern that even now, when the issue is being raised seriously, some individuals are prioritizing personal interests over national welfare. Shri Modi further stated that these people are engaged in political battles to grant rights to infiltrators and are indifferent to the consequences of national disintegration. He warned that if the security and identity of the nation are endangered, every citizen will be at risk. Therefore, on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the Prime Minister called upon the nation to reaffirm its resolve to remove every infiltrator residing in India.

Underscoring that in a democracy, national unity also means respecting the diversity of thought, Shri Modi emphasized that while differences of opinion are acceptable in a democracy, personal discord should not exist. He expressed concern that after independence, those entrusted with the responsibility of leading the nation attempted to undermine the spirit of ‘We the People’. He remarked that individuals and organizations with differing ideologies were discredited and political untouchability was institutionalized. He pointed out how the previous governments treated Sardar Patel and his legacy, and similarly marginalized Baba Saheb Ambedkar during his lifetime and even after his passing. The Prime Minister added that the previous governments adopted the same approach towards leaders like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan. Mentioning that this year marks 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Shri Modi highlighted the various attacks and conspiracies faced by the organization. He further added that there was a deliberate attempt to isolate every individual and idea outside one party and one family.

Underlining that the nation takes pride in having ended the political untouchability that once divided the country, the Prime Minister highlighted the construction of the Statue of Unity in honour of Sardar Patel and the establishment of Panchteerth dedicated to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. He recalled that Baba Saheb’s residence and Mahaparinirvan site in Delhi had suffered neglect during previous dispensation’s rule, but have now been transformed into a historic memorial. The Prime Minister pointed out that during the previous government’s era, only one former Prime Minister had a dedicated museum. In contrast, our government has built the Prime Ministers’ Museum to honour the contributions of all former Prime Ministers. He noted that Karpoori Thakur was conferred the Bharat Ratna, and even Shri Pranab Mukherjee, who spent his entire life in the current opposition party, was honoured with the Bharat Ratna. Leaders from opposing ideologies, such as Mulayam Singh Yadav, were also recognized with Padma awards. The Prime Minister emphasized that these decisions were driven by the intent to rise above political differences and strengthen the spirit of national unity. He added that this inclusive approach was also reflected in the multi-party delegation that represented India abroad following Operation Sindoor.

“The mindset of attacking national unity for political gain is a reflection of a colonial mentality”, remarked the Prime Minister, adding that the current opposition party not only inherited power and party structure from the British but also internalized their mindset of subjugation. Noting that in a few days, the nation will mark 150 years of the national song, Vande Mataram, Shri Modi recalled that in 1905, when the British partitioned Bengal, Vande Mataram became the collective voice of resistance for every Indian and a symbol of unity and solidarity. The British even attempted to ban the chanting of Vande Mataram, but failed. However, the Prime Minister asserted, what the British could not do, the previous government eventually did. He stated that they removed a portion of Vande Mataram on religious grounds, thereby dividing society and advancing the colonial agenda. The Prime Minister declared with full responsibility that the day the current opposition party decided to fragment and truncate Vande Mataram, it laid the foundation for the partition of India. He further criticized them that had they not committed that grave mistake, the image of India today would have been very different.

Shri Modi stated that due to the mindset of those in power at the time, the country continued to carry colonial symbols for decades. He recalled that the emblem of colonial rule was removed from the Indian Navy’s flag only after our government came to power. He noted that Rajpath was renamed Kartavya Path as part of this transformation. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Cellular Jail in Andaman, a site of sacrifice during the freedom struggle, was accorded the status of a national memorial only when Morarji Desai’s government was in office. He pointed out that until recently, many islands in Andaman bore names of British figures. These have now been renamed in honour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and several islands have been named after Param Vir Chakra awardees along with the installation of Netaji Subhash’s statue at India Gate in New Delhi.

Remarking that due to a colonial mindset, even soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation were not accorded proper respect, the Prime Minister highlighted that the establishment of the National War Memorial has immortalized their memories. He noted that 36,000 personnel have sacrificed their lives for internal security, including members of the police, BSF, ITBP, CISF, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces, whose valour had long been denied due recognition. Shri Modi affirmed that it is their government that built the Police Memorial to honour those martyrs. “The country is now removing every symbol of colonial mentality and strengthening the spirit of ‘Nation First’ by honouring those who sacrificed for the nation”, stated Shri Modi

Emphasising that unity is the foundation of a nation and society’s existence, the Prime Minister said, as long as unity prevails in society, the integrity of the nation remains secure. He asserted that to achieve the goal of a developed India, every conspiracy aimed at breaking national unity must be defeated. He stated that the country is actively working on every front of national unity.

The Prime Minister outlined four foundational pillars of India’s unity, the first being cultural unity. He remarked that India’s culture has kept the nation alive as a unified entity for thousands of years, independent of political circumstances. He cited the twelve Jyotirlingas, seven sacred cities, four Dhams, over fifty Shaktipeeths, and the tradition of pilgrimages as the vital energy that makes India a conscious and living nation. He noted that this tradition is being advanced through events like the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam and Kashi Tamil Sangamam. He added that through International Yoga Day, India’s profound yogic science is gaining new global recognition, and yoga is becoming a medium that connects people.

Elaborating on the second pillar of India’s unity - linguistic unity, Shri Modi stated that India’s hundreds of languages and dialects are a reflection of the nation’s open and creative mindset. He emphasized that in India, no community, authority, or sect has ever weaponized language or attempted to impose one language over others. This, he said, is why India has become one of the richest nations in terms of linguistic diversity. The Prime Minister likened India’s languages to musical notes that strengthen the country’s identity. He affirmed that every language is considered a national language and proudly noted that India is home to Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages, and Sanskrit, a treasure of knowledge. He acknowledged the unique literary and cultural wealth of every Indian language and stated that the government is actively promoting all of them. Shri Modi expressed the desire for children in India to study and progress in their mother tongue, and for citizens to learn and appreciate other Indian languages. He emphasized that languages should become the threads of unity and that this is not a one-day task but a continuous effort that requires collective responsibility.

Stating that the third pillar of India’s unity is development free from discrimination, Shri Modi emphasized that poverty and inequality are the greatest vulnerabilities in the social fabric, which have often been exploited by the nation’s adversaries. He recalled that Sardar Patel aspired to formulate a long-term plan to combat poverty. Quoting Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister noted that had India attained independence ten years prior to 1947, the country would have overcome the crisis of food scarcity by that time. Sardar Patel believed that just as he resolved the challenge of integrating princely states, he would have tackled food shortages with equal resolve. Shri Modi further remarked that such was Sardar Patel’s determination, and that the same spirit is essential to confront major challenges today. He expressed pride that the government is working to fulfill Sardar Patel’s unfinished commitments. Over the past decade, 25 crore citizens have been lifted out of poverty. Millions of poor families are receiving homes, clean drinking water is reaching every household, and free healthcare services are being provided. He affirmed that ensuring a life of dignity for every citizen is both the nation’s mission and vision. These policies, free from discrimination and corruption, are strengthening national unity.

Outlining the fourth pillar of national unity - the connection of hearts through connectivity, Shri Modi highlighted that record numbers of highways and expressways are being built across the country. Trains like Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat are transforming Indian Railways. He noted that even smaller cities are now gaining access to airport facilities. The Prime Minister emphasized that this modern infrastructure has not only changed the world’s perception of India but has also reduced distances between North and South, East and West. He remarked that people are now easily travelling across states for tourism and business. This, he said, marks a new era of people-to-people connection and cultural exchange, which is strengthening national unity. He further added that Digital connectivity is also further strengthening the people-to-people connect.

Recalling Sardar Patel’s words that his greatest joy came from serving the nation, the Prime Minister echoed this sentiment, urging every citizen to embrace the same spirit. He emphasized that there is no greater happiness than working for the country, and that devotion to Maa Bharati is the highest form of worship for every Indian. Shri Modi remarked that when 140 crore Indians stand together, even mountains make way, and when they speak in one voice, their words become the proclamation of India’s success. He called upon the nation to adopt unity as a solemn resolve, to remain undivided and unwavering. He stated that this is the true tribute to Sardar Patel. Expressing confidence, the Prime Minister concluded by affirming that together, the nation will strengthen the resolve of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and fulfill the dream of a developed and self-reliant India. With this spirit, he once again paid homage at the feet of Sardar Patel.

Background

Prime Minister participated and addressed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations and offered floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also administered the Ekta Diwas pledge and witnessed Ekta Diwas Parade.

The parade included contingents from BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB along with various state police forces. Key attractions this year included a BSF marching contingent comprising exclusively Indian breed dogs such as Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, Gujarat Police’s Horse Contingent, Assam Police’s Motorcycle Daredevil Show, and BSF’s Camel Contingent and Camel Mounted Band.

The parade also honoured five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and sixteen gallantry medal winners from BSF who displayed exceptional courage in anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir. BSF personnel also were recognised for their valour during Operation Sindoor.

This year’s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade featured ten tableaux from NSG, NDRF, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry, depicting the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’. A cultural programme featuring 900 artists showcased India’s classical dances representing the richness and diversity of Indian culture. The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations this year hold special significance as the nation marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Prime Minister interacted with Officer Trainees of the 100th Foundation Course at the culmination of Aarambh 7.0. The 7th edition of Aarambh is being held on the theme of “Reimagining Governance.” The 100th foundation course includes 660 Officer Trainees from across 16 civil services of India and 3 civil services of Bhutan.

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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.