Rome, May 20: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival in Rome on Tuesday night. This visit marks the final leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour.
Meloni shared a special message for PM Modi on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” This gesture highlighted the strong friendship between the two leaders.
During his visit to Italy, PM Modi is set to engage in bilateral discussions with PM Meloni. He will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
As PM Modi arrived, the Indian community present in Rome gave him a rousing welcome. Enthusiastic crowds had gathered in anticipation of his arrival. As he stepped out, chants of “Modi-Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed through the air. PM Modi expressed his gratitude and joyfully shook hands with the attendees. Some children even brought handmade drawings for him, which he happily signed, appreciating their talent.
PM Modi shared that he is on an official visit to strengthen the ties between India and Italy.
On Wednesday, PM Modi’s meeting with Giorgia Meloni will take place at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili. It is expected that both leaders will issue a joint declaration aimed at enhancing the India-Italy strategic partnership.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on ‘X’, stating, “A new chapter is being added to the India-Italy strategic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rome for an official visit.” He noted that Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warmly welcomed him at the airport.
He further added, “India and Italy have long-standing, strong relations across multiple sectors. This visit will accelerate the partnership between the two nations.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this visit comes at a time when relations between the two countries are rapidly strengthening. India and Italy are collaborating on a joint strategic action plan for 2025-2029.
This plan encompasses various sectors, including trade, investment, defense, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and enhancing people-to-people connections.
The MEA reported that trade between India and Italy reached $16.77 billion in 2025. Additionally, from April 2000 to September 2025, Italy invested a total of $3.66 billion in India.
The Ministry also stated that this visit will further bolster India’s relations with Europe, particularly in trade and investment. Recently, negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) were completed, which is expected to enhance economic ties between both parties.
Previously, PM Modi visited Italy in June 2024 to attend the G7 summit.
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