India and Italy Launch Joint Initiative to Curb Terror Financing at G20 Johannesburg Summit

Modi–Meloni talks reaffirm growing strategic partnership as both nations expand cooperation in security, trade, technology, and global governance. A New Push Against Terror Financing India...

Modi–Meloni talks reaffirm growing strategic partnership as both nations expand cooperation in security, trade, technology, and global governance.

A New Push Against Terror Financing

India and Italy unveiled a significant joint initiative on Sunday aimed at intensifying cooperation to counter the financing of terrorism, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Johannesburg. The announcement came on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, where the two leaders met to review and strengthen their expanding strategic partnership.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the newly adopted India–Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism reinforces the nations’ shared commitment to disrupting terror networks, enhancing intelligence cooperation, and coordinating efforts in global forums such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF).

Leaders Condemn Terrorism, Reaffirm Solidarity

Prime Minister Modi described his meeting with Meloni as “very good,” noting in a social media post that the India–Italy partnership was “growing from strength to strength.” He emphasized that the new initiative represents a timely step in global counterterrorism efforts, particularly at a moment when countries are increasingly concerned about transnational extremist financing channels.

PM Meloni expressed solidarity with India over the recent terror-related incident in Delhi, according to officials, and reiterated Italy’s commitment to a coordinated international response against terrorism.

A Broad Review of Bilateral Ties

Beyond security cooperation, the leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the India–Italy Strategic Partnership, highlighting progress across a wide spectrum of sectors:

Trade & Investment: Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 15 billion in 2023–24, and Italy has invested an estimated USD 4 billion in India since 2000. Both leaders welcomed the stronger engagement reflected in two business forums held this year in New Delhi and Brescia.
Defence & Security: Discussions included expanding defence collaboration and strengthening maritime and technological security links.
Technology, AI, and Innovation: Modi and Meloni discussed deeper cooperation in digital governance, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Italy reaffirmed support for the India–EU Free Trade Agreement and expressed confidence in the AI Impact Summit that India will host in 2026.
Space Collaboration: Both leaders noted the positive momentum following a recent visit by an Italian space delegation to India, which is expected to accelerate government and private sector partnerships in satellite technologies, Earth observation, and space research.
Education & People-to-People Ties: Efforts to expand student exchanges, research collaboration, and cultural partnerships were reviewed positively.

The MEA said the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, which outlines long-term goals for trade, innovation, mobility, and strategic cooperation.

Strengthening Cooperation on Global Platforms

Modi and Meloni also discussed aligning positions on global governance issues, including democratic resilience, the rule of law, supply chain diversification, and sustainable development. Both leaders reiterated their intention to work closely in multilateral bodies such as the G20, UN, and the European Union.

The meeting follows earlier interactions between Modi and Meloni this year at the G7 Summit in Canada, underscoring the growing frequency and depth of high-level dialogue between the two nations.

Looking Ahead

With Italy advocating for an ambitious India–EU trade agreement and India positioning itself as a major global technology and manufacturing hub, both governments view their partnership as increasingly strategic.

As the G20 Summit concluded its sessions in Johannesburg, the Modi–Meloni meeting signaled that Indo-Italian cooperation is set to deepen further—not only in security but across innovation, commerce, and global diplomacy.