Rome, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Colosseum during his trip to Italy on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Colosseum, a massive oval amphitheater located in Rome, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
This historic structure dates back nearly two thousand years and is also known as the theater. It showcases Roman architecture and has witnessed numerous historical battles.
The amphitheater features over 80 entrances and was completed in 80 AD during the Flavian dynasty. Made of stone and concrete, it could accommodate around 80,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial contests and various public events.
Prime Minister Meloni warmly welcomed Modi upon his arrival in Rome on Tuesday night (local time). Modi is in Italy as part of the final leg of his five-country tour.
Meloni personally greeted the Indian Prime Minister and expressed her enthusiasm on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” This gesture highlights the strong friendship between the two leaders.
Earlier, Modi attended a dinner hosted by Meloni, sharing photos from the event on ‘X’. He expressed his eagerness to discuss ways to strengthen India-Italy relations during their upcoming talks.
He wrote, “After arriving in Rome, I had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni for dinner, followed by a visit to the Colosseum. We exchanged views on various topics. I look forward to our discussions today, where we will talk about further strengthening India-Italy friendship.”
During this visit, Modi will engage in bilateral talks with Meloni and meet with President Sergio Mattarella.
Modi shared that this trip aims to enhance the relationship between India and Italy. He is scheduled to meet Meloni at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome on Wednesday, where both leaders may issue a joint declaration to bolster the India-Italy strategic partnership.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on ‘X’ that a new chapter in the India-Italy strategic partnership is beginning with Modi’s official visit. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warmly welcomed him at the airport.
The ministry further stated, “India and Italy have had a long-standing multifaceted partnership. This visit is expected to give new momentum to bilateral relations.”
According to the ministry, this visit coincides with both countries implementing a joint strategic action plan for 2025-2029, covering areas such as trade, investment, defense, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people connections.
The MEA noted that trade between the two nations is projected to reach $16.77 billion by 2025. From April 2000 to September 2025, Italy’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) in India is expected to be $3.66 billion. Additionally, cooperation in defense, security, clean energy, and science and technology is also on the rise.
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