Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, for dinner shortly after his arrival in Rome on Tuesday, marking the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. Following the dinner, the two leaders took a late-evening walk through the historic Colosseum.
Sharing images from the evening on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum.” He expressed anticipation for their discussions the following day, emphasizing the goal of enhancing the India-Italy relationship.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni also extended a warm welcome via social media, posting a photograph of the two together and writing, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” A shared image captured the leaders inside the Colosseum, engaged in conversation against the backdrop of the ancient Roman structure. Videos circulating online show Modi in a dark navy bandhgala suit with white churidar trousers, while Meloni wore a light pink embroidered top paired with white trousers.
Another photograph revealed a candid moment where Modi and Meloni leaned against a railing, overlooking Rome’s skyline during sunset. Meloni was seen adjusting her hair while attentively listening to Modi, who appeared to be explaining something about the city below.
Additionally, PM Modi highlighted the works of Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, showcasing his paintings inspired by Varanasi and Indian spiritual traditions, noting Tomassetti’s longstanding connection with Indian culture, which spans more than four decades.
Earlier, upon his arrival in Rome, PM Modi received a rousing reception from the Indian community. Members of the diaspora gathered outside his hotel, equipped with Indian flags, cultural performances, and chants to welcome him during the last stop of his tour. The Prime Minister interacted with attendees, greeting children and even signing an autograph for a young admirer who presented him with a portrait.
“I am very grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome last evening,” Modi remarked in another post on X. He commended their deep affection for India and their efforts in strengthening India-Italy ties, praising the Indian diaspora for making the nation proud globally.
Modi’s visit to Italy comes as bilateral relations are gaining momentum under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which aims to enhance cooperation in trade, defense, technology, clean energy, and connectivity. This visit concludes PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic journey, which included stops in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates before reaching Italy.
