Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday (local time). This marked the final stop of his five-nation tour. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him warmly at the historic Colosseum. Meloni shared a photo with PM Modi from the Colosseum stands on social media. She called him “my friend”.
“Welcome to Rome, my friend,” she wrote on X.
Welcome to Rome, my friend! 🇮🇹🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mUjFL4HIqY
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 19, 2026
Final leg of global tour
PM Modi completed a five-nation visit that included Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and Italy. He used the tour to strengthen India’s global ties.
India-Italy ties gain momentum
India and Italy continue to expand cooperation in several areas. Both countries follow the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. They focus on trade, defence, investment, clean energy, science, technology, and cultural exchange. Bilateral trade reached $16.77 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment stood at $3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025.
Modi outlines agenda
PM Modi posted his agenda on X before meetings in Rome. He said he would meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“I have landed in Rome, Italy. I will meet President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and hold discussions with them. This visit will focus on how to strengthen cooperation between India and Italy, with particular attention to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 will also be reviewed. I will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), reinforcing India's commitment to multilateralism and global food security,” PM Modi said.
He also said he would visit the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). He stressed India’s focus on 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
Warm welcome in Italy
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed PM Modi at the airport. He greeted him on arrival. PM Modi also met members of the Indian diaspora. He interacted with them warmly.
Later, Italy honoured him with cultural performances at his hotel in Rome. Artists performed classical music, dance, and instrumental pieces to welcome him.