Welcome To Rome, My Friend: Meloni greets PM Modi in Italy, selfie from Colosseum goes viral

New Delhi: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Rome with a warm social media post and a candid selfie that quickly went viral online. PM Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday as part of the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour.

Sharing the photograph on X, Meloni wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” alongside the flags of India and Italy. The picture showed both leaders standing in front of the illuminated Colosseum, one of Italy’s most recognised historical landmarks. Within hours, the post drew massive engagement across social media platforms.

Final Stop Of Five-Nation Tour

Italy marks the last destination of PM Modi’s multi-country visit that included the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening strategic and economic cooperation between India and Italy.

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Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora in Rome. Cultural performances were organised outside his hotel, where the Prime Minister also interacted with supporters and signed autographs.

He was also seen appreciating a painting inspired by the ghats of Varanasi, created by an Italian artist influenced by Indian culture and heritage.

Focus On Strategic Partnership And Trade

During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Discussions are expected to cover trade, defence cooperation, technology, clean energy and connectivity initiatives.

A key agenda item will be the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which both countries see as an important connectivity and trade project. Leaders are also expected to review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.

According to official figures, trade between India and Italy crossed USD 16 billion in 2025, reflecting growing economic engagement between the two nations.

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Visit To FAO Headquarters Planned

PM Modi is also expected to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome. The visit underlines India’s continued emphasis on multilateral cooperation and global food security initiatives.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Italy visit is expected to add “new momentum” to the India-Italy strategic partnership as both countries deepen collaboration across multiple sectors.