PM Modi’s Rome visit is expected to strengthen India’s engagement with Europe, with IMEC, trade, investment and strategic cooperation dominating bilateral discussions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Rome for key bilateral talks as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomes him during the final leg of his five-nation tour. | X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday (local time) for the final leg of his five-nation tour, receiving a warm welcome from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and members of the Indian diaspora as India and Italy moved to deepen cooperation across trade, connectivity, defence and technology.
Soon after PM Modi’s arrival, Meloni shared a picture with him on X and wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” The post quickly drew attention online, reflecting the growing personal and diplomatic warmth between the two leaders.
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Welcome to Rome, my friend! 🇮🇹🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mUjFL4HIqY
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— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 19, 2026
The visit comes at a time when New Delhi and Rome are actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, which has emerged as the key framework driving bilateral engagement. The two countries are expanding cooperation in sectors ranging from clean energy and innovation to security and investment, while also pushing connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
PM Modi said the visit would focus on boosting India-Italy cooperation and reviewing progress under the strategic roadmap.
“Landed in Rome, Italy. I will be meeting President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and holding discussions with them. This visit will focus on how to boost India-Italy cooperation, especially focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC),” the Prime Minister posted on X.
He also said he would visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underlining India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security.
Sono atterrato a Roma, in Italia. Incontrerò il Presidente Sergio Mattarella e il Primo Ministro Giorgia Meloni e avrò dei colloqui con loro. Questa visita si concentrerà su come rafforzare la cooperazione tra India e Italia, con particolare attenzione al Corridoio Economico… pic.twitter.com/huZgq6lSJ6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2026
The Prime Minister interacted with members of the Indian community at his hotel in Rome, where cultural performances were organised to welcome him. He also signed an autograph for a child who presented him with a portrait.
Among those present was Svamini Shuddhananda Ghiri, who said she had earlier met PM Modi in 2021 and credited him for supporting their mission.
“I am very happy, and this is the second time we met him. We met him in 2021, and he also continued to sustain and to foster our mission… Sanatana Dharma Samgha is recognised as an official religion here in Italy by the Italian Parliament,” she told ANI.
Another member of the Indian diaspora described the interaction as a “special moment”.
“We are very much delighted with the way he came and addressed us, and we are very happy, and it is the first time we got the chance to meet him. It is a very special moment for us, and he has conveyed the message of oneness and togetherness,” the community member told ANI.
PM Modi also viewed a painting of the ghats of Varanasi created by an Italian artist inspired by Indian culture.
“For me, this painting is a bridge between the eyes of an Italian artist and the colourful culture of India,” the painter told ANI, adding that Indian culture had deeply influenced his work.
Artists who performed during the welcome ceremony said they had presented a musical composition based on Raga Hamsadhwani.
“We played the traditional tune based on Raga Hamsadhwani and we made a composition together with all the musicians,” one of the performers told ANI.
Italian authorities stepped up security arrangements ahead of PM Modi’s meetings with the country’s top leadership.
According to Italian media reports cited by IANS, security has been enhanced at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and around the Anantara Hotel, where the Prime Minister is staying. Villa Pamphili, where PM Modi and Meloni are expected to hold talks, has also been placed under special surveillance.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold bilateral discussions with Meloni during the visit. The two leaders are also expected to attend a working lunch with business leaders from both countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit takes place amid “strong momentum” in bilateral ties.
According to the MEA, India-Italy trade reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative foreign direct investment from Italy stood at USD 3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025.
Before arriving in Italy, PM Modi visited Norway for the India-Nordic Summit. His five-nation tour also included stops in Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
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