Wrapping up his five-nation Europe tour, PM Modi joined Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Rome to announce a new strategic partnership focused on trade, defence, AI and clean energy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni jointly planted a Black Mulberry sapling in Rome. The plantation took place during the final leg of PM Modi’s five-nation European tour.
The choice of the plant carries deep significance for both nations. Known natively in India as “Krishna Toot,” the Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) is highly revered for its deep historical roots, culinary versatility, and rich medicinal properties.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to X, and wrote about the diplomatic symbolism of the event.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni planted a Black Mulberry plant today in Rome. Known as Krishna Toot in India, the tree connects India and Italy through its culinary, medicinal and cultural significance. The plantation is another step in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, promoting environmental consciousness and sustainable living,” he wrote.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree for Mother) campaign is a global environmental initiative championed by India to foster sustainable development and combat climate change through community-driven afforestation.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni plant a Morus nigra (black mulberry) sapling, symbolising deep-rooted friendship, shared heritage, and growing cooperation between India and Italy. 🇮🇳-🇮🇹@PMOIndia @MEAIndia @IndiainItaly #PMModiInItaly @narendramodi… pic.twitter.com/o0NExaoqB5
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 20, 2026
Elevation to a ‘special strategic partnership’
The tree-planting ceremony reflected the growing relationship between New Delhi and Rome. After delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that India and Italy would elevate their ties to a
special strategic partnership.
As part of the new framework, both sides have set a target of taking bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. The push is expected to gain momentum through efforts to speed up the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement, seen as key to boosting economic ties.
The partnership will also create a Foreign Minister-level mechanism to regularly review the Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025–2029) and track progress across major areas of cooperation.
There will also be stronger collaboration in sectors such as defence, artificial intelligence, critical technologies, clean energy, space, and cyber security, areas both countries see as important for long-term growth and resilience.
Speaking after the summit, PM Modi praised Meloni’s leadership and said her commitment to strengthening India-Italy ties was deeply appreciated.
Meloni said the partnership was becoming more important at a time when the global order is going through major changes, adding that India and Italy were bringing together economic strength and technological innovation.
The two leaders later met select Indian and Italian CEOs, discussing ways to deepen industrial cooperation before PM Modi left for India.
First Published:
May 21, 2026, 06:59 IST
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