 "India and Italy launch joint initiative to counter terror financing at G20 talks – Firstpost")
India and Italy on Sunday announced a joint initiative for cooperation in combating terrorism financing, as PM Modi held talks with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties across a range of sectors including trade, defense and security.
India and Italy on Sunday unveiled a joint initiative to strengthen cooperation against the financing of terrorism, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Johannesburg.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the G20 summit, discussed ways to expand bilateral engagement in trade, defense and security. The two leaders adopted the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Combat the Financing of Terrorism, reaffirming their shared commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms.
In a post on social media after the meeting, Modi said, “Had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The India-Italy strategic partnership is continuously strengthening, which is greatly benefiting the people of our countries.”
Had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The India-Italy strategic partnership is continuously strengthening, which is greatly benefiting the people of our countries. @giorgiameloni pic.twitter.com/rX4NUYpl3x
-Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 23 November 2025
“India and Italy are announcing a joint initiative for cooperation in combating the financing of terrorism. This is a necessary and timely effort, which will strengthen humanity’s fight against terrorism and its support networks,” Modi said.
Prime Minister Meloni expressed solidarity with India over the terrorist incident in Delhi and reiterated Italy’s strong commitment to work together to tackle the scourge of terrorism.
Modi said they also discussed taking forward bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space and education.
The two leaders had held brief talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada in early June this year.
The two leaders adopted the ‘India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter the Financing of Terrorism,’ the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism and cooperation in global and multilateral platforms, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
It said the two leaders reviewed and positively appraised developments in the bilateral strategic partnership in areas such as trade and investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education and people-to-people relations.
It said the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress being made on the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29, which will benefit both economies and people.
The two leaders welcomed the two Business Forums held this year in New Delhi and Brescia with strong participation from the respective industries.
They noted ongoing efforts to enhance trade, technology, innovation and investment partnerships aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of both economies and building resilient supply chains.
He appreciated the recent visit of the Italian Space Delegation to India, which will enhance cooperation in this area at both government and private sector levels.
Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s strong support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.
The two leaders look forward to continuing their dialogue and working together in multilateral and global fora to uphold their shared values of democracy, rule of law and sustainable development.
India-Italy trade is estimated to be around US$15 billion in 2023-2024, while foreign direct investment from Italy to India is estimated to be around US$4 billion since 2000.
with inputs from agencies
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