Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday, the final leg of his five nation tour. He was welcomed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and presented her with a Melody toffee as a gift.
Meloni shared a video of the moment on Instagram and wrote, “Thank you for the gift.”
Earlier on Tuesday evening, the two leaders travelled together through the streets of Rome and visited the nearly 2,000 year old historic Colosseum.
The leaders also had dinner together and held informal discussions on several key issues. Meloni shared a selfie with Modi on social media, writing, “Welcome my friend.” Photos of the two leaders quickly went viral online.
Modi later posted photographs from the meeting on X and said that formal talks scheduled for Wednesday would continue discussions on strengthening India Italy ties. The leaders are expected to discuss trade, investment, advanced technology and global issues.
Pictures of Modi and Meloni’s meeting
Italian PM Meloni welcomed PM Modi before dinner.
Prime Minister Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Modi and Meloni holding talks in the capital Rome on Tuesday evening.
Modi and Meloni enjoying the beautiful view of the city of Rome from a balcony on Tuesday evening.
Modi and Meloni had dinner together on Tuesday, during which the leaders discussed several important issues.
PM Modi and Meloni travelled in the same car.
Italian PM Meloni also took a selfie with PM Modi on Tuesday evening.
Modi and Meloni posed for a photo at the historic Colosseum in Rome.
Pictures of Modi arriving in Italy
PM Modi reached the airport in Rome, the capital of Italy, and greeted with folded hands.
On his arrival in Rome, PM Modi was received by Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Sarraju Rao and other officials.
Modi was welcomed on the red carpet upon reaching Rome.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi viewed special paintings on Varanasi in Rome, gifted to him by Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti.
PM Modi autographs a painting during his meeting with Indian expatriates.
After PM Modi reached Rome, he was welcomed by NRIs at the airport.
Considering giving the status of Special Strategic Partnership to the relationship
During this visit, India and Italy are expected to discuss further strengthening their relationship and elevating it to a “Special Strategic Partnership.” The two countries are also considering resuming regular annual meetings in the near future.
Political and economic relations between India and Italy have grown rapidly in recent years. The two countries are steadily expanding cooperation in the fields of defense, energy, trade, science, and new technologies.
Currently, trade between India and Italy exceeds 14 billion euros. Both countries are working to increase investment in manufacturing, automobiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, defense, and green energy.
Meeting with top Italian industrialists
PM Modi is also expected to interact with leading Italian industrialists and business leaders during the visit. Discussions are likely to focus on investment opportunities in India, industrial collaboration, manufacturing expansion and new business partnerships.
The interaction is being viewed as an important step towards attracting greater Italian investment into India’s growing industrial and infrastructure sectors.
Modi last visited Italy in 2024
Prime Minister Modi last visited Italy in June 2024, when he participated in the G7 Summit held in the Apulia region.
Italy marks the final stop of PM Modi’s foreign tour that began on May 15. During the tour, the Prime Minister also visited the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway before arriving in Italy.
