<h1>India and Italy leaders pledge to accelerate year-end India-EU FTA, deepen strategic partnership and implement IMEEC connectivity plan</h1> Leaders of India and Italy held a phone conversation addressing diplomatic and trade matters, including support for concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU free trade agreement, coordination on ending the conflict in Ukraine, and implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). The discussion reaffirmed commitment to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership and noted ongoing 13th-round FTA negotiations in New Delhi, with both sides aiming to finalize the deal by year-end. The IMEEC, agreed in principle at the 2023 G20 summit, was highlighted as a connectivity initiative integrating road, rail and shipping links across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.