China's Xi Jinping snubbed again as Italian PM hints quitting BRI at India’s G20 Summit

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hinted at Italy's plan to withdraw from Belt and Ro Initiative (BRI) during a high-stakes meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at G20 Summit in New Delhi. 

In a historic meeting on sidelines of G20 Summit, Meloni communicated Italy's intention to exit BRI project, despite concerns over potential repercussions from Beijing, Italy expressed its desire to rekindle a longstanding strategic partnership agreement with China, initially established in 2004 to promote economic cooperation.

In a post-G20 summit press briefing, Meloni stated, "Leaving Silk Ro does not compromise relations, but decision still has to be taken." She emphasised that Italy's decision was not influenced by external pressures, asserting that move was a sovereign choice.

"re are European nations which in recent years haven't been part of Belt and Ro but have been able to forge more favourable relations (with China) than we have sometimes managed," Meloni ded.

On Saturday, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Meloni and world leers representing India, United States (US), United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and European Union Commission to establish India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC). 

This transformative initiative will consist of two distinct corridors: East Corridor, which will connect India to West Asia/Middle East, and Norrn Corridor, designed to link West Asia/Middle East to Europe. A fundamental element of this ambitious project is development of a dependable and cost-efficient cross-border ship-to-rail transit network. Upon its successful completion, this network will enhance existing multi-modal transportation routes, streamlining seamless transshipment of goods and services between Souast Asia, India, and West Asia/Middle East Europe.

BRI: A source of contention

Italy's potential decision to withdraw from BRI comes in wake of growing skepticism within country's political circles regarding value and implications of agreement signed by a previous ministration in 2019. This accord h been a point of contention among Western allies due to concerns about expanding influence of China.

During meeting, Li Qiang reportedly me a last-ditch effort to persue Italy to reconsider its decision, highlighting significance of BRI for global connectivity.

Italy's upcoming G7 presidency

As Italy prepares to assume G7 presidency next year, reshaping its relationship with China is seen as an effort to placate its Western allies and foster cooperation on a broer scale. Meloni's discussions with Premier Li also revolved around deepening relations between two nations.

Italy and China share a "Global Strategic Partnership" that is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, which both leers view as a cornerstone for vancing friendship and cooperation in various areas of common interest.

At press conference, Meloni spoke about inclusion of Africa Union to G20 and said it was central to work of G20. "We also consider this to be our success. Africa will also be one of central issues that we will bring to G7 (under Italian presidency) next year," he said.

Meloni's bilateral with PM Modi

Italy PM Gioegia Meloni who arrived in India on Friday, engaged in a bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on sidelines of G20 Summit. Remarkably, this visit marks Meloni's second trip to India, following her State visit in March 2023, during which both nations elevated ir bilateral relations to status of a Strategic Partnership.

PM tweeted that ir "talks covered sectors such as tre, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working toger for global prosperity."

During ir meeting, two leers expressed ir contentment regarding 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and India. ditionally, y conducted a comprehensive review of progress me across various sectors within framework of India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Both leers were in agreement about strengning collaboration in areas such as defense and development of new and emerging technologies. y also acknowledged imperative need for G7 and G20 to work in harmony for betterment of global affairs.