Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni planted a black mulberry sapling in Rome on Wednesday, marking a symbolic step towards promoting environmental awareness.
The tree, commonly known as Krishna Toot in India, carries culinary, medicinal and cultural importance in both countries. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the plantation reflects a shared commitment to sustainable living while strengthening cultural connections.
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Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the event on X. He said, “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.”
Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni planted a Black Mulberry plant today in Rome.
” Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 20, 2026
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 ËEk pic.twitter.com/m4gTXo0Njy
Leaders highlight growing India-Italy ties
Alongside the symbolic plantation, both leaders held talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi appreciated his Italian counterpart’s efforts to deepen ties between the two nations.
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He said, “The talks with Prime Minister Meloni were excellent. Her commitment to furthering the India-Italy friendship is commendable. Bilateral ties between our nations have advanced significantly in sectors like trade, space, technology and more. In order to further deepen linkages, we have elevated our ties to a Special Strategic Partnership.”
Meloni also underlined the evolving nature of global partnerships and India’s growing importance in that context. She said, “At a time when the international system is undergoing profound changes, the partnership between Italy and India is guided by frequent meetings at the highest political and institutional levels and is taking on a new and enhanced dimension that combines our economic dynamism, the creativity of our societies, and the wisdom of ancient civilisations.”
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Strategic partnership gets a boost
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership. They also decided to maintain regular engagement through annual leader-level meetings and structured ministerial dialogues.
A Special Strategic Partnership that will not only benefit our nations but also the entire humanity!
” Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2026
The outcomes from my Italy visit will ensure more investment linkages, better trade opportunities, closer cultural linkages and more. https://t.co/lDV5F0xN1Y
Discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including trade, defence, space, energy, technology, education and cultural exchanges. The two countries aim to expand bilateral trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029, with both sides expressing support for early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
The visit to Italy was part of Modi’s multi-nation tour from May 15 to 20, which also included stops in the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
