Apulia/New Delhi, June 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy. He also met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

On his meeting with his Italian counterpart and G7 host, the PM posted on X that they held discussion on areas like commerce, energy, defence and telecom.

“Had a very good meeting with PM @GiorgiaMeloni. Thanked her for inviting India to be a part of the G7 Summit and for the wonderful arrangements. We discussed ways to further cement India-Italy relations in areas like commerce, energy, defence, telecom and more. Our nations will work together in futuristic areas like biofuels, food processing and critical minerals.”

A statement issued by the MEA said that PM Meloni congratulated PM Modi for his third consecutive term as Prime Minister. PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for the invitation to participate in G7 Outreach Summit and conveyed his appreciation for the successful conclusion of the Summit.

“The two leaders noted with satisfaction the regular higher political dialogue and reviewed progress of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. While expressing happiness at growing trade and economic collaboration, they called for expanding commercial ties in clean energy, manufacturing, Space, S&T, telecom, AI and critical minerals to build resilient supply chains. In this context, they welcomed the recent signing of a MoU on Industrial Property Rights (IPR) which provides a framework for cooperation on patents, designs and trademarks.

“The two sides discussed bilateral defence and security cooperation and hoped for further enhancing the defence industrial collaboration. They welcomed the forthcoming visit of the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and training ship ITS Vespucci to India later this year. PM Modi thanked the Italian Government for recognizing the Indian Army’s contribution in Italian Campaign during WW-II and informed that India will be upgrading the Yashwant Ghadge Memorial at Montone in Italy.

“Taking note of the coordination under the ‘Global Biofuels Alliance’, the leaders welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Transition which will boost bilateral cooperation in clean and green energy. They expressed happiness at the new Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-27 to promote joint research and development in Science & Technology.

“The two countries enjoy strong people-to-people connect propelled by longstanding Indological studies tradition in Italy, which will be further strengthened with the establishment of the first ICCR chair on India studies at University of Milan. The two leaders called for an early implementation of the Migration and Mobility Agreement, which would facilitate mobility of professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, students, and researchers.

“Both leaders look forward to joint activities to be implemented under the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative framework to fulfill their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also discussed important regional and global issues and agreed to strengthen cooperation in global fora and multilateral initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.”

On his meeting with the Japanese PM Kishida, PM Modi posted on X that the two countries look forward to working together in defence, technology, semiconductors, clean energy and digital technology.

“It was a delight to meet PM Kishida on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy. Strong ties between India and Japan are important for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Our nations look forward to working together in defence, technology, semiconductors, clean energy and digital technology. We also wish to advance ties in infrastructure and cultural linkages.”

A press statement said that “PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Kishida for the congratulatory wishes extended on assuming office for the third consecutive term. He affirmed that bilateral ties with Japan will continue to receive priority in his third term.

“The two leaders noted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is in its 10th year and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the relationship. They discussed ways to deepen cooperation further, adding new and emerging areas, and strengthening B2B and P2P cooperation.

“India and Japan are collaborating on several important areas including the landmark Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project that will usher in the next stage in mobility in India, the targeted 5 trillion yen worth of Japanese investment in India in 2022-2027 period, and India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership aimed at transformation of our manufacturing cooperation.

“The meeting between the two Prime Minister provided an opportunity to review some of these ongoing works of cooperation. The two leaders looked forward to continuing their discussion at the next India-Japan annual summit,” it added.

On his brief meeting with the German Chancellor, the PM posted:

“Today's interaction with Chancellor Scholz was very productive. The India-Germany Strategic Partnership can play a major role in furthering global growth which is inclusive and sustainable.”

UNI RN