Modi and Meloni Launch India–Italy Initiative to Combat Terror Financing at G20
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled a new bilateral effort aimed at tackling the financing of terrorism. The India–Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism reflects a shared determination to disrupt the financial networks that sustain terrorist activities while strengthening multilateral coordination through platforms like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
During their discussions, the two leaders emphasized the broader trajectory of India–Italy relations, including trade, investment, technology, defence, and education. Both reaffirmed their commitment to the 2025–2029 Joint Strategic Action Plan, highlighting how the partnership has steadily evolved into a multi-dimensional strategic alliance.
The joint counter-terrorism initiative is designed to facilitate closer intelligence sharing, enhance capacity-building efforts, and coordinate strategies in global forums dedicated to combating terror financing. Prime Minister Modi described the effort as “timely and essential” for cutting off the financial lifelines of terrorist networks. Prime Minister Meloni expressed Italy’s strong support for India’s counter-terrorism priorities and emphasized the importance of global collaboration to confront illicit financial flows that fuel extremism.
Beyond security, Modi and Meloni explored opportunities to expand economic and technological collaboration, including artificial intelligence, space, and defence sectors. They also highlighted growing business exchanges between the two countries, citing recent economic forums as evidence of deepening ties.
By launching this initiative, India and Italy are signaling a strategic alignment that combines national action with multilateral cooperation, strengthening global efforts against terrorism while reinforcing their bilateral partnership.
