Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation Europe and Middle East tour, receiving a warm and high-profile welcome from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Italian leader shared a picture with PM Modi from the iconic Colosseum and posted a heartfelt message on social media that quickly grabbed global attention.
“Welcome to Rome, my friend,” Meloni wrote alongside the photo, sparking massive engagement online and further highlighting the growing diplomatic chemistry between the two leaders.
PM Modi’s Italy Visit Focuses on Strategic Partnership
PM Modi’s visit comes at a crucial time as India and Italy continue expanding ties under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The discussions are expected to focus on trade, defence cooperation, clean energy, technology, innovation and connectivity projects.
One of the key areas on the agenda is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which is being viewed as a major strategic and economic initiative connecting India with Europe through the Middle East.
In a statement shared on social media, PM Modi said he would meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the visit.
“I have landed in Rome, Italy. This visit will focus on strengthening cooperation between India and Italy, with particular attention to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor,” PM Modi said.
India-Italy Trade and Investment Relations Growing Rapidly
India and Italy have significantly strengthened economic ties in recent years. Bilateral trade between the two countries reportedly crossed $16 billion in 2025, while Italian investments in India continue to grow across sectors such as manufacturing, clean energy and infrastructure.
Officials from both nations are also expected to review collaborations in defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and sustainable development initiatives.
PM Modi to Visit FAO Headquarters
During the Rome visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reinforcing India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and global food security.
The visit gains additional importance amid rising concerns over global supply chains, food inflation and geopolitical tensions affecting energy and agricultural markets worldwide.
Grand Welcome for PM Modi in Rome
At the airport, PM Modi was welcomed by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. Members of the Indian diaspora also gathered to greet the Prime Minister, with cultural performances and traditional music organised in his honour upon his arrival at the hotel.
The Rome stop concludes PM Modi’s extensive diplomatic tour that included visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, where he held high-level talks on trade, investment, technology and regional security.
With India and Italy aiming to deepen strategic cooperation, the Modi-Meloni meeting is being closely watched as another important step in strengthening India’s role in Europe and the Mediterranean region.
