Rome: Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella extended warm Republic Day greetings to India’s President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, highlighting the swift expansion of bilateral relations between India and Italy. He expressed confidence that these ties will deepen further in the coming years.
President Mattarella emphasized the shared fundamental values between the two democracies, including respect for democracy and the rule of law. He noted that India and Italy have many common interests, such as upholding a rules-based international order, ensuring security and stability in the Indo-Mediterranean region, and effectively addressing global challenges.
In his letter to President Murmu, Mattarella wrote, “On the occasion of Republic Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a prosperous future to the Republic of India. The relationship between India and Italy is advancing rapidly and will strengthen even more in mutual interest.”
The Italian President highlighted that the effective implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan is injecting new energy into the bilateral partnership. “New opportunities for cooperation are continuously emerging through joint projects between our economic institutions, scientific collaboration, and growing dialogue between civil societies,” he said.
Mattarella expressed hope that the synergy between India and Italy would strengthen not only across all areas of the bilateral agenda but also within the framework of India-European Union relations.
He reiterated that both New Delhi and Rome share core values such as democracy and the rule of law. Additionally, they are advancing shared interests that include protecting a rules-based international system, peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Mediterranean region, and multilateral solutions to major global challenges.
The President also noted that high-level political and institutional visits have accelerated cooperation, which can be further strengthened across all sectors. He expressed confidence that India-EU relations would benefit significantly from new economic and trade agreements.
Concluding his letter, Mattarella extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Italian Republic to President Murmu and all Indian citizens.
It is noteworthy that last month, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani visited New Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, PM Modi described India-Italy relations as “continuously strengthening ties.”
Significantly, during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to India in 2023, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. Following that, a long-term and ambitious agenda is being pursued through the 2025–2029 Joint Action Plan.
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