PM Modi, Meloni Join Hands In Rome For ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
PM Modi and Meloni joined a symbolic environmental initiative in Rome.
PM Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday planted a black mulberry tree in Rome as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, a campaign aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the black mulberry tree, known as “Krishna Toot” in India, symbolises a cultural and historical connection between India and Italy through its culinary, medicinal and traditional significance.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the plantation drive represented another step in strengthening environmental consciousness under the initiative launched by the Indian government. The tree plantation took place during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Italy, where the two leaders also held extensive discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation. Modi later described his talks with Meloni as “excellent” and praised her commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
He said India and Italy had made significant progress in areas including trade, space, technology and strategic cooperation. Both countries also announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership”. According to an MEA statement, the two leaders agreed to hold annual leadership-level meetings and strengthen institutional coordination through regular ministerial engagements.
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They also decided to establish a Foreign Minister-level mechanism to review the implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. The discussions covered a wide range of sectors including defence, energy, artificial intelligence, critical technologies, education, culture, research and innovation. The leaders also reviewed growing trade and investment ties and interacted with Indian and Italian business leaders representing sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, digital technology and energy transition.
Italy and India also reaffirmed their goal of expanding bilateral trade to 20 billion euros by 2029 and expressed support for the early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Modi’s Italy visit formed part of a broader multi-nation tour that also included stops in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway between May 15 and May 20.
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