PM Modi Strengthens India-Italy Ties At Dinner With Giorgia Meloni
PM Modi was hosted for a private dinner and cultural engagement in Rome.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted for a private dinner and cultural engagement by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, marking a significant diplomatic gesture ahead of formal bilateral talks aimed at strengthening India–Italy relations. The interactions took place during PM Modi’s visit to Italy, part of a broader five-nation tour covering multiple European and Gulf countries.
Upon his arrival in Rome, Modi met Meloni over dinner, where the two leaders reportedly exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and global issues. The engagement was followed by a visit to the historic Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, symbolising cultural exchange alongside diplomatic discussions. Modi later said he looked forward to continuing formal talks to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
The visit also included a warm reception from the Indian diaspora in Italy, which Modi acknowledged in a post on social media platform X. He praised the community for its “deep affection for India” and its contribution to strengthening ties between India and Italy. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the Prime Minister was welcomed with cultural performances showcasing Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam performed by artists in Italy.
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In addition to diplomatic engagements, Modi highlighted cultural exchanges during his visit, including an interaction with Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, who presented artwork inspired by Varanasi. The Prime Minister noted the artist’s long-standing engagement with Indian culture, including works inspired by the Mahabharata and Vedic traditions, reflecting the growing cultural connections between the two nations.
The visit also featured musical performances by Italian artists playing Indian classical instruments such as the santoor, sitar, bansuri, tabla, and flute, which Modi described as a sign of Indian music’s growing popularity in Italy. He specifically acknowledged the artists for their renditions, describing the cultural welcome as a reflection of shared artistic appreciation.
Officials said the engagements in Rome are expected to set the stage for formal bilateral talks between Modi and Meloni, with both sides aiming to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology, energy, and cultural exchange. The visit is being viewed as part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach to strengthen strategic partnerships across Europe.
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