“Defence industry cooperation is certainly important, but let me also mention cooperation in space, education and training. Migration is another important area of cooperation,” Senator Terzi said.

He highlighted the value of creating opportunities for specialists to come and work in Italy, particularly in sectors such as cybersecurity and space, as well as in other areas identified through the bilateral economic dialogue. The bilateral economic committee, which meets periodically, brings together key elements of the two economies. These issues, Senator Terzi added, were regularly discussed whenever the two Prime Ministers met.

The former Italian Foreign Minister also highlighted the European Union’s Migration and Asylum Pact, which contains a range of provisions and entered into force last June for all 27 EU member states.

“Within European migration policy, we also see strong convergence with the migration policy of the Indian government, particularly in our commitment to combat criminal organisations that exploit vulnerable people and facilitate illegal migration,” Senator Terzi said.

He noted that illegal migration often took place through the Mediterranean in the European context, while other regions faced different routes, including across borders. Rome and New Delhi, he said, shared an understanding of the importance of respecting international law and ensuring that international rules were upheld, particularly for people legally resident in their respective countries. “Let us not forget that, while I have been speaking about the special partnership between Italy and India, the European-Indian partnership is equally important,” Senator Terzi said.

He cited the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, describing it as more than a project and saying that it was increasingly becoming a reality. The initiative had already attracted significant interest from business communities as well as scientific and educational institutions, he added.

Earlier in September, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s post-war history. Mr Modi said the milestone reflected the trust and confidence of the Italian people in Ms Meloni’s leadership. He also noted that her friendship had been instrumental in strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and said he looked forward to continuing their close cooperation to build a prosperous future for the people of both countries.

According to Senator Terzi, who also leads the India-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group, the strategic partnership with India was “extremely important” for the Italian government, the parliamentary majority and the Italian Parliament.

Senator Terzi referred to messages sent to Prime Minister Meloni by international counterparts on September 4, saying that Prime Minister Modi’s message had been particularly appreciated.

There had been an immediate response through social media, he said, while the message had also been deeply appreciated by Italy’s political community and, particularly, by the parliamentary group he has the honour to chair. The exchange between the two leaders had also provided encouragement to intensify parliamentary engagement between India and Italy.

Senator Terzi also spoke of Prime Minister Modi’s standing in Italy, saying the Indian Prime Minister was personally popular and that there was strong recognition of his government. “Prime Minister Modi is very popular in my country. He is personally very popular, and there is also strong recognition of his government,” he said.

Senator Terzi added that Prime Minister Modi had demonstrated the importance of India’s role in global and international relations. He also said that India and Prime Minister Modi had played an important role in seeking to mitigate tensions and preserve peace as a fundamental objective of Indian foreign policy.