R ome [Italy], May 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outlined an ambitious roadmap for deepening ties between India and Italy in a joint op-ed published across several international news platforms, describing the relationship as a "special strategic partnership" central to the emerging "Indo-Mediterranean" era. In the op-ed titled "Italy and India: A Strategic Partnership for the Indo-Mediterranean," the two leaders said bilateral ties had entered a "decisive stage," evolving from a cordial friendship into a partnership rooted in "the values of freedom and democracy, and a common vision for the future." The joint piece framed the India-Italy relationship as part of a broader geopolitical transformation linking the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean into what the leaders termed the "Indo-Mediterranean" corridor, a growing network for trade, energy, technology, data and strategic connectivity. PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni highlighted expanding political coordination, economic integration and technological cooperation between the two countries amid rapid shifts in the global order. "Our cooperation mirrors our shared awareness that prosperity and security in the 21st century will be shaped by the ability of nations to innovate, manage energy transitions, and strengthen strategic sovereignty," the two leaders wrote. The op-ed emphasised plans to combine Italy's industrial and manufacturing expertise with India's economic scale, innovation ecosystem and engineering talent. The leaders also set a target of surpassing EUR 20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029, focusing on sectors including defence, aerospace, clean energy, machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles and tourism. Referring to the growing industrial linkages between the two countries, the article noted that more than 1,000 Indian and Italian companies are now operating across both markets, strengthening supply chain integration between Europe and Asia. A major focus of the joint vision is centred on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. The two leaders stressed that AI development must remain "responsible and human-centred," combining India's "MANAV" vision of technology serving humanity with Italy's "algor-ethics" framework rooted in its humanist tradition. "Technology cannot replace individuals or undermine their fundamental rights, nor be used to manipulate public debate or alter democratic processes," the op-ed stated. The leaders also pointed to expanding cooperation in space technology, cybersecurity, maritime security and resilient infrastructure, while reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking and human trafficking. On energy cooperation, PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni highlighted growing collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, smart grids and sustainable infrastructure, alongside joint participation in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuels Alliance. The op-ed also underscored support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a transformative vision linking transport, digital networks, energy systems and resilient supply chains between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Invoking civilisational themes, the two leaders said India's concepts of "Dharma" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" resonate strongly with Italy's Renaissance-era humanist traditions. "Our shared vision aims to lay the foundation for a strong and forward-looking India-Italy Partnership with our people at the centre," PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni added. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

R aebareli (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 21 (ANI): Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rising fuel prices, India's economic situation and the Prime Minister's recent interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying the government is trivialising serious economic concerns. Addressing party workers in Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi referred to the viral "Melodi" trend involving PM Modi and Meloni and alleged that the Centre was ignoring an impending economic crisis. "Modi-ji takes toffees for Meloni... The time to cry is coming again," Gandhi said. His remarks came amid PMModi's ongoing visit to Italy, where he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. During the visit, PM Modi gifted Meloni a set of "Melody" toffees, reviving the popular "Melodi" social media trend associated with the two leaders. Claiming that the country was heading towards a severe economic downturn, Gandhi linked the situation to rising global tensions and alleged economic mismanagement by the BJP-led government. "Now, an economic storm is approaching--one the likes of which India has never seen. The Strait of Hormuz has been shut down. Yet, they claim there is no shortage of petrol... The BJP members mock me," he said. "They are eating toffees with Meloni and making videos--acting as if it's all just a joke--only to return later and fold their hands," he added. The Congress leader also renewed his attack on the government over demonetisation and alleged that public wealth and institutions were being handed over to select industrialists. "PM Narendra Modi has sold off India's economic system. He has handed over the economic system of India to Ambani, Adani and America. Now an economic storm is coming, and PM Narendra Modi and the government of India will not be able to save you," Gandhi said. Targeting the RSS and BJP leadership, Gandhi accused them of attacking the Constitution and said he stood by his previous remarks against PMModi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "When these RSS workers come before you, they will speak of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, then you must say to their faces that your Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the organisation (BJP) is a traitor, you have worked to sell India. You have worked to attack the Constitution," Gandhi added. Referring to inflation and fuel price hikes, the Congress MP said, "PM Narendra Modi says don't go abroad, don't buy gold, buy electric vehicles. In the coming times, farmers won't have fertiliser. Watch where inflation goes in a few months, where the prices of petrol, diesel, oil, gas, pulses, and rice go." He also alleged that industrialists like Ambani were exporting fuel purchased from Russia and claimed the proceeds were being used to support the BJP politically. "Before the elections, it was said that there was no shortage of petrol or gas. Petrol prices will not increase. Today, when petrol prices are rising, Ambani is exporting petrol from India to abroad. Ambani buys petrol from Russia and sells it outside, and with that money, they fund PM Narendra Modi. This is the truth," Gandhi alleged. (ANI)

D haramshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 20 : Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, on Wednesday, attended a long life prayer ceremony offered by the Central Dokham Chushi Gangdrug and Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association at the Main Tibetan temple, drawing thousands of devotees from around the world. The ceremony was held at the Tsuglagkhang temple complex, where more than six thousand Tibetans, including monks, nuns, and international followers, gathered in the morning to offer prayers for the Dalai Lama's long life. Organisers said the event carried deep spiritual significance for the Tibetan community in exile and reflected global devotion toward the religious leader. Nawang Dhondup, a Tibetan devotee, told ANI, "We from the Dokham Chushi Association and the Himalayan Buddhist community have gathered here to offer a prayer for the long life of his holiness the Dalai Lama. We are very fortunate that His Holiness is here with us, and we got an opportunity to get his blessings. I am very happy to be here today." Another devotee from Brazil, Natasha, described the Dalai Lama as a symbol of peace amid global conflicts. She told ANI, "I came to see the Dalai Lama today. For me, he is a symbol of peace. Since it's war everywhere these days. It's a difficult time, and we need peace, so I came here to see him." Marico, a Tibetan devotee who had prepared for the ceremony over several years, said the occasion held deep emotional importance and told ANI, "We are here to take part in the long life prayer ceremony for his holiness the Dalai Lama. He is very important for us, and I, being one of the participants, have been preparing for this ceremony for the last three years, so it's a very important day for all of us, and I am very glad to be here today." Tsering Dorjee, one of the organisers, said the joint arrangements by the two Buddhist organisations ensured the ceremony proceeded smoothly and told ANI, "Dokham Chushi Gangdrug and Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association are jointly organising this long life prayer ceremony, and it went really very well, so all of us are very happy to see his holiness the Dalai Lama among us today. People from all over the world have come here to pray for His long life, and it is a very important occasion for all of us." The event concluded with prayers for the spiritual leader's longevity, underscoring his continued global influence and the deep reverence he commands among Tibetan Buddhists and international followers. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor