Rome: Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni used a Hindi phrase during a joint press conference in Rome on Wednesday evening as the two countries elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership”.
“Parishram Hi Safalta Ki Kunji Hai”, which translates to “Hard work is the key to success”, Meloni said while referring to the relationship between India and Italy.
Icelandic prime minister Kristrún Frostadóttir had also used the Hindi word “sambandh” – meaning relationship or connection – a few days ago while speaking alongside Modi, highlighting a recent trend of foreign leaders invoking Indian phrases and cultural references during high-level diplomatic engagements with New Delhi.
“We have built our relations in this way, with hard work which becomes successful,” Meloni said while concluding her remarks at the joint presser, as reported by News18.
PM Modi, meanwhile, said he had several opportunities to meet Meloni over the past few years and that the growing engagement reflected the “close cooperation and harmony” between India and Italy.
“Under her leadership, our relations have gained new momentum, a new direction and renewed confidence,” Modi said while announcing the elevation of ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership”.
Meloni used the Hindi p
hrase while speaking about the steady expansion of ties between the two countries across trade, technology, innovation, defence and connectivity.
India and Italy are working to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, energy, critical minerals, manufacturing and maritime transport, she said.
The Indian Prime Minister also described technology and innovation as the “engines” of the India-Italy partnership and said the two countries share “immense potential for cooperation” in areas such as AI, quantum technology, space and civil nuclear energy.
The Italian PM also highlighted plans to establish an India-Italy Innovation Centre in New Delhi to connect startups, universities, research institutes and industries from both countries.
Bilateral trade currently stands at 14 billion euros, Meloni said and expressed hope that it would rise to 22 billion euros by 2029, aided by the proposed India-European Union free trade agreement.
Thanking Italy for supporting the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, PM Modi said both countries would work towards its early implementation so that businesses could fully benefit from it.
Meloni also stressed cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), saying both countries view the project as important for trade, connectivity and economic growth.
She also said India and Italy share common positions on international stability, economic security, resilient supply chains and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two leaders also discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, while reiterating support for dialogue and diplomacy.