ROME, Italy — May 20, 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial and enthusiastic welcome in Rome on Tuesday as he arrived in Italy for the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour across Europe and the Middle East.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni personally welcomed Modi and shared a message on social media platform X, calling the Indian leader “my friend” while posting photographs from their meeting in Rome.
“Welcome to Rome, my friend,” Meloni wrote alongside images of the two leaders, including a previously captured photograph at the iconic Colosseum.
The visit highlights the rapidly expanding strategic relationship between India and Italy as both nations continue strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, defense, clean energy, technology, and cultural engagement.
Indian Community Organizes Grand Reception in Rome
Earlier in the day, members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers to welcome Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival in Rome. Cultural performances, traditional music, and artistic presentations marked the occasion outside the hotel where the Indian delegation was staying.
Prime Minister Modi interacted with members of the Indian community, greeted supporters, and spent time with children attending the event. During the interaction, he signed an artwork presented by a young admirer who had created a portrait of the Indian leader.
Several members of the diaspora described the moment as emotional and historic, emphasizing Modi’s popularity among overseas Indians across Europe.
Sanatan Dharma Organization Receives Recognition in Italy
Swamini Shuddhananda Giri, a representative from the Indian spiritual community in Italy, said this was her second meeting with Prime Minister Modi after first meeting him in 2021.
She stated that the Sanatan Dharma Sangh had recently received recognition as an official religion by the Italian Parliament, calling it a major milestone for the Indian spiritual community in the country.
Speaking during the celebrations, she said the Indian Prime Minister had supported efforts to promote Indian culture and spiritual traditions internationally.
PM Modi Views Varanasi Artwork by Italian Artist
During the reception, Prime Minister Modi also viewed a painting depicting the ghats of Varanasi created by an Italian artist inspired by Indian culture.
The artist described the interaction with Modi as one of the most memorable moments of his life and said Indian heritage had deeply influenced his creative work.
According to the artist, the painting represented a cultural bridge between Italy and India, combining European artistic interpretation with the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi.
Cultural Performances Celebrate Indian Heritage
Artists participating in the welcoming ceremony said they felt honored to perform before the Indian Prime Minister.
One performer noted that she had spent 15 years in India studying traditional art forms and felt proud to present Indian culture on an international stage. Another musician said the group performed a traditional composition based on Raga Hamsadhwani to celebrate India’s cultural heritage.
Performers said the event inspired them to continue promoting Indian arts and values across Europe.
India-Italy Economic Partnership Continues to Expand
Prime Minister Modi’s Italy visit comes amid rapidly growing economic cooperation between the two countries under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029.
The partnership includes collaboration in key sectors such as defense, clean energy, science and technology, innovation, investment, and people-to-people ties.
According to official figures referenced during the visit, bilateral trade between India and Italy reached approximately $16.77 billion in 2025. Italy also recorded foreign direct investment of nearly $3.66 billion in India between April 2000 and September 2025.
Before arriving in Italy, Modi visited Norway as part of the fourth phase of his international tour. His diplomatic itinerary also included visits to Sweden, Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.
