India and Italy will celebrate 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Tourism” to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen dialogue between the two ancient civilisations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the initiative will help deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen cultural diplomacy between the two countries.

She said stronger ties between countries are measured not only through political and economic relations but also through connections between people and societies. 

Ms Meloni was addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rome yesterday. She said India and Italy will also work towards further developing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). 

Ms Meloni described IMEC as a major connectivity and economic corridor linking Europe, the Middle East and India with the potential to strengthen trade, investment and supply-chain resilience.

She said the corridor, unveiled during the G20 New Delhi Summit, can create major opportunities for businesses and deepen economic relations between India and Europe. 

Ms Meloni said strengthening interconnectivity between the regions remains an important priority and added that both countries strongly support the development of the corridor.

Italian Prime Minister said, India and Italy share common views on key global challenges including international stability, economic security, resilient supply chains, peace and inclusive development.