Modi, Meloni join forces: India-Italy launch bold new drive to crush terror financing

As per an Indian government-issued statement, the initiative aims to deepen bilateral cooperation on countering terrorism and collaboration in global and multilateral platforms including the Financial Action task Force( FATF) and the Global Counter terrorism Forum (GCTF).

Both leaders had last interacted briefly on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Kananaskis in Canada earlier in June this year.

During Sunday's meeting, the leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in the bilateral Strategic Partnership across sectors such as trade and investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education, and people-to-people ties.

"Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29," the statement said.

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The leaders welcomed the two Business Fora held in New Delhi and Brescia this year with robust participation of the respective industries.

The leaders noted the ongoing efforts to increase business, technology, innovation and investment partnerships aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of both economies and building resilient supply chains.

The leaders appreciated the recent visit of an Italian Space delegation to India, which would augment collaboration in this domain, both at the government as well as the private sector levels.

Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s strong support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.

"The two leaders looked forward to continuing their dialogue and work together in multilateral and global platforms for upholding their shared values of democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development," the statement said.