Rome, May 20 -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday flaunted her Hindi-speaking skills using the phrase "parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai", meaning "hard work is the key to success", underlining the strengthening relationship between India and Italy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Rome.

Addressing a joint press statement alongside PM Modi, Meloni said India-Italy ties have entered a historic phase, describing the visit as a "defining moment" that has further elevated bilateral relations to a "Special Strategic Partnership."

"There is an Indian word which states that very well, which is 'Parishram'. 'Parishram', which means hard work, constant commitment, fatigue; a word which I know is very often ...