By Anjali Sharma
TWASHINGTON – Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday has met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, with Tata Motors’ acquisition of a controlling stake in Italian commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco Group emerging as a key focus of discussions.

The meeting highlighted the growing industrial and economic engagement between India and Italy, after the Tata Group’s expansion into the European automotive market.

The meeting took place at Palazzo Chigi, the official residence of the Italian Prime Minister.

According to media reports, Chandrasekaran outlined the Tata Group’s strategy following its acquisition of Iveco, one of Italy’s prominent commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Both countries are looking to deepen their strategic and industrial cooperation.

Tata Motors announced on October 30 that it had secured an 89.42% stake in Iveco Group for approx 3.43 billion Euros, after the initial settlement of its cash tender offer.

The acquisition marks a significant step in Tata Motors’ efforts to strengthen its global commercial vehicle operations and expand its presence in international markets.

Chandrasekaran acknowledged the support extended by the Italian government and Prime Minister Meloni during the acquisition process, was speaking at a global press conference at Iveco’s headquarters in Turin.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of Iveco’s industrial capabilities and international footprint.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this transaction, and I’m grateful to all of them. I would also like to start today by thanking the Italian government and the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and Minister Adolfo Urso for their encouragement and support throughout this process,” the Tata Sons Chairman said.

He also recalled Tata Motors’ longstanding association with Turin, saying the company’s indigenous passenger car development journey had its roots in the Italian city, where the design of its first indigenous car took shape at design house Idea in the late 1990s.

“I would like to share a story that explains our connection with Turin. When our former Chairman, Mr Ratan Tata, decided that Tata Motors would develop and manufacture its indigenous passenger car, he actually turned to Turin, where there was a famous design house called Idea.

“And Idea was where the first indigenous Indian car took shape. Since the late nineties, many of us from Tata Motors have been coming to Turin. Therefore, we have a very strong connection with the city. We owe it to Turin for our passenger car business because it was kind of born here,” the Tata Sons Chairman said.

The transaction also underscored the growing role of Indian companies in acquiring established international businesses, particularly in sectors such as automobiles and advanced manufacturing, media reports concluded.