Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 Summit here.
PM Modi arrived in Italy early Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Meloni to participate in the G7 Outreach summit. This is his first foreign trip after becoming prime minister for the third term earlier this month.
"Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda," PM Modi said in Delhi ahead of his departure on Thursday.
"We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," he said.
The G7 comprises the US, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Italy is holding the current presidency of the G7 (Group of Seven) and is hosting the summit in that capacity.
The bloc expanded into G8 between 1997 and 2013, with the inclusion of Russia. However, Russia's participation was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea.
In line with its tradition, representatives of a number of countries and international organisations are invited to the summit by the host nation that holds the chair.
Besides India, Italy has invited leaders from 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the summit.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
"Hello From Melodi Team": PM Modi-Giorgia Meloni Bonhomie At G7 Summit "Always Pleasure...": PM Modi After Meeting President Biden At G7 PM Modi Leaves For Home After Attending G7 Summit In Italy Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Man Receives Worm-Infested Amul Buttermilk, Company Apologises Meta Decides To Suspend Its Generative AI Tools in Brazil QS Rankings 2024: World's Top Universities For Executive MBA Program Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.