The gesture transformed a diplomatic engagement into a celebration of India’s spiritual heritage, with PM Modi appreciating the artist’s four-decade-long dedication to Indian civilisation, Vedic traditions and the Mahabharata.
'Kashi in Rome': PM Modi praises Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti’s four-decade devotion to Indian culture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spotlighted the deep cultural ties between India and Italy during his official visit to Rome, as renowned Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti presented a striking artwork depicting the ghats of Varanasi. The gesture transformed a diplomatic engagement into a celebration of India’s spiritual heritage, with PM Modi appreciating the artist’s four-decade-long dedication to Indian civilisation, Vedic traditions and the Mahabharata.
The painting, centred on the sacred riverfront of Kashi, captured the vibrant ghats, boats and spiritual atmosphere of one of India’s oldest living cities. Standing beside the large artwork with Tomassetti, PM Modi described the moment as “a glimpse of Kashi in Rome”, highlighting how Indian culture continues to inspire artists far beyond its borders.
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In a post on X, PM Modi praised Tomassetti’s longstanding association with Indian themes and traditions.
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A glimpse of Kashi in Rome!
Mr. Giampaolo Tomassetti, an Italian painter, presented his work on Varanasi. His passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades. In the 1980’s he started as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture. From 2008 to 2013 he worked on 23 large… pic.twitter.com/tYfLPb8ubC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2026
Giampaolo Tomassetti has spent more than 40 years exploring Indian history, mythology and spirituality through art. Beginning as an illustrator for books based on Vedic culture during the 1980s, the Italian artist later embarked on an ambitious artistic journey inspired by the Mahabharata.
Between 2008 and 2013, he created 23 large-scale oil paintings based on key moments from the ancient Indian epic. His works portray dramatic scenes including Krishna serving as Arjuna’s charioteer in Partha-Sarathi, the moment Krishna protects Draupadi during her humiliation in the dice game, and the escape of Arjuna and Subhadra in a chariot from Dwarka.
Other paintings depict battle sequences, Krishna’s return to Dwarka and confrontations involving Shishupala. His artistic style is marked by sweeping landscapes, elaborate architectural settings and emotionally expressive characters that reinterpret India’s ancient stories through a European artistic lens.
PM Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation tour and was received by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Welcoming him to the Italian capital, Meloni posted on X, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”
Soon after his arrival, PM Modi met Giorgia Meloni over dinner, where both leaders exchanged views on a wide range of global and bilateral issues. The two leaders later visited the iconic Colosseum together, continuing discussions on strengthening ties between the two countries.
Sharing details of the meeting, PM Modi said the discussions focused on expanding cooperation and further strengthening the India-Italy friendship.
“Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship,” PM Modi posted on X.
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