New Delhi, May 21 -- Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy led to major initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural, educational, defence and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Addressing a special media briefing on the Prime Minister's visit to Italy, George said PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that 2027 would be celebrated as the Year of Culture between India and Italy.

"To further strengthen cultural relations and promote two-way tourism, both leaders announced the celebration of 2027 as the Year of Culture between India and Italy," George said.

He also said that an MoU for Italy's cooperation in the...