Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that India can play a “very important role” in resolving ongoing global conflicts, highlighting the country’s diplomatic influence.
“I think it can play a very important role,” says Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on being asked about India’s role in the ongoing wars. Meloni made these remarks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
UN General Assembly
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) commenced on September 9 in New York, bringing together world leaders to address critical international issues. The high-level general debate kicked off on September 23, with over 150 heads of state and government scheduled to speak by the debate’s conclusion on September 29.
Dignitaries attending the session included Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was seen arriving at the UN headquarters, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also spotted leaving the UN after participating in the session.
This year’s theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” emphasizes global collaboration in tackling current international challenges.
India-Italy Ties
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a telephone conversation to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders emphasized the importance of an early and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, with PM Modi reaffirming India’s full support for such efforts.
They also reviewed progress in the bilateral Strategic Partnership, noting positive developments across sectors including investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education, people-to-people exchanges, and counter-terrorism. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership in line with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.
Additionally, PM Meloni expressed Italy’s strong backing for the swift conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and highlighted support for the successful hosting of the AI Impact Summit in India in 2026.
