Overview
- Modi and Meloni in Rome on Wednesday said they would elevate relations to a special strategic partnership with a joint declaration that creates annual leaders’ summits and targets €20 billion in trade by 2029.
- Officials said agreements are expected across maritime transport, agriculture, higher education, critical minerals, museum cooperation and the fight against economic and financial crime.
- The talks put emphasis on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, a planned set of trade and transport links connecting India to the Gulf and onward to Europe.
- The program includes a working lunch with major industry leaders and a visit to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, with discussions also touching the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and Indo‑Pacific security.
- A light‑hearted moment in which Modi gifted Meloni a packet of Parle’s Melody toffees went viral and revived the “Melodi” meme, drawing wide public attention to the visit.