Visit of Prime Minister to the Vatican City : His Holiness Pope Francis received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Saturday, 30 October 2021. This was the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in more than two decades. In June 2000, Late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope, His Holiness John Paul II. India and The Holy See have friendly relations dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. India is home to the second largest Catholic population in Asia.
During today’s meeting, the two leaders discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. They also discussed the challenge posed by climate change. Prime Minister briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India’s success in administering one billion Covid-19 vaccination doses. His Holiness appreciated India’s assistance to countries in need during the pandemic. Prime Minster extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Francis to visit India at an early date, which was accepted with pleasure.
Prime Minister also met Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Prime Minister meets Italian PM Mario Draghi on the margins of G20 Summit in Rome : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met the Prime Minister of Italy, H.E. Mr. Mario Draghi in Italy on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Rome. This was their first in person meeting. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Draghi for successfully hosting the G20 in the midst of a global pandemic. Italy is also partnering the UK in organizing COP-26 in Glasgow.
The two leaders discussed the challenges posed by climate change, and the need for the international community to work together. Prime Minister highlighted the transformative climate actions undertaken by India, and the concerns of developing countries about climate financing commitments of the developed world.
The two leaders also exchanged views on recent global and regional developments, including in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. They reiterated their desire for working closer together for furthering the India-EU multi-faceted cooperation.
On the bilateral side, the two leaders reviewed developments since the India-Italy Virtual Summit in November 2020 and expressed satisfaction at the progress in implementation of the 2020-2025 Action Plan adopted at the Virtual Summit that set strategic goals in the political, economic, S&T and cultural spheres to be achieved in the next five years. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further expanding trade and investment linkages between the two countries particularly in textiles, food processing, automotive and renewable energy sectors. To provide fresh impetus to the bilateral cooperation in renewables and clean energy, India and Italy issued a Joint Statement announcing a Strategic Partnership on Energy Transition and agreed to explore partnerships in areas such as large size green corridor projects, smart grids, energy storage solutions, gas transportation, integrated waste management (waste-to-wealth), development and deployment of green hydrogen and promotion of bio-fuels. India and Italy also signed a Statement of Intent on Textiles cooperation during the meeting. Prime Minister extended invitation to PM Draghi to pay an official visit to India at the earliest opportunity.
Prime Minister meets Indologists and Sanskritists : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with several Indologists and Sanskrit experts from Italian universities. Prime Minister noted their interest in Indian culture, literature and practice of yoga & ayurveda and lauded the role played by them in strengthening the ties between India and Italy.
Prime Minister meets the representatives of Sikh community and institutions involved in the commemoration of Indian soldiers who fought in Italy in the World Wars : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with the community members from various organisations including representatives of Sikh community and institutions involved in the commemoration of Indian soldiers who fought in Italy in World War I and World War II. Prime Minister paid tributes to the valour shown by Indian soldiers in these wars.
Prime Minister meets the representatives of Italian Hindu Union : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with the community members from various organisations including the representatives of Italian Hindu Union-Sanatana Dharma Samgha. Prime Minister lauded the role played by them in propagating Indian culture in Italy.
Prime Minister meets the representatives of Italian Congregation for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with the community members from various organisations including the representatives of Italian Congregation for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Prime Minister appreciated their contribution in several social activities including spreading the message of Bhagavad Gita in Italy.
