PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni Meet at the Colosseum, India-Italy Friendship Gains New Momentum
**Rome:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour, landed in Rome, where he received a warm welcome from his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders met for dinner at a historic venue, followed by a joint visit to the iconic Colosseum, exchanging views on a wide range of important subjects. This meeting, filled with personal warmth, is being seen as a significant step in taking the bilateral relations between the two countries to new heights.
The highlight of the evening was the visit to the historic Colosseum. Italian Prime Minister Meloni herself took PM Modi on a tour of this monument, reflecting her personal warmth toward the Indian leader. After landing in Rome, PM Modi posted on X that he had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner, followed by a visit to the Colosseum. Sharing the evening's pictures on his social media platform, PM Modi said, "We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects".
Italian Prime Minister Meloni also shared a picture on X and posted, "Welcome to Rome, my friend!". She had also shared an earlier picture of both leaders at the Colosseum. The "Melodi" camaraderie between the two leaders once again became a topic of discussion on social media. During the G7 summit, Meloni and Modi had already created a stir with their "Melodi" selfie, and now this visit has further strengthened their friendship. PM Modi’s pictures from the dinner and the Colosseum went viral on social media, garnering millions of likes within hours.
### Special Welcome from the Indian Diaspora
Upon arriving in Rome, PM Modi also received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani received PM Modi at the airport. A large number of Indians gathered outside the hotel where PM Modi was staying and greeted him enthusiastically. Welcoming PM Modi, the Indian community presented colorful cultural programs, including Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Bharatnatyam, while Indian classical music was played on instruments like Santoor, Tabla, Bansuri, and Sitar. PM Modi also met an Italian painter who specializes in Indian culture and gave him a painting of Varanasi.
### Major Announcement Expected Today
Today, PM Modi is scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with Italian PM Meloni, and the two leaders are likely to announce a new strategic partnership between the two countries. At the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni are expected to adopt a joint declaration to further deepen the India-Italy strategic partnership. During this visit, PM Modi will also meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
### Focus on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
The discussions between the two leaders will focus on strengthening cooperation between India and Italy, with special attention on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). PM Modi said that this visit will focus on how to strengthen cooperation between India and Italy, with particular attention to IMEC. The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 will also be reviewed. PM Modi will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome to reaffirm India’s commitment to global food security.
### 'Melodi' Camaraderie Once Again Viral
The "Melodi" camaraderie between PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni has once again become viral on social media. The two leaders have been seen displaying mutual respect and warmth at various international forums. Meloni had also posted a selfie with PM Modi during the G7 summit in Italy in 2024, which was much discussed. This time too, the chemistry of the two leaders is in the news. PM Modi also gifted Meloni a 'Melody' toffee, which brought a smile to her face.
### India-Italy Relations Stronger Than Ever
India-Italy relations are currently at their peak. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $16.77 billion, and cumulative foreign direct investment from Italy to India stood at $3.66 billion. Both countries are also cooperating in sectors such as defense, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. A joint article by PM Modi and Prime Minister Meloni highlighted that relations between the two countries have evolved from a cordial friendship into a Special Strategic Partnership rooted in the values of freedom, democracy, and a shared vision for the future. They expressed confidence in achieving the target of 20 billion euros in bilateral trade by 2029.
PM Modi has arrived in Rome after concluding a tour of the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. This is the final leg of his five-nation tour. The India-Italy friendship is expected to get a new direction from this visit, which will prove beneficial for both countries.