New Delhi, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome extended to him in Rome during his official visit.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed appreciation for the Indian diaspora’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
“I am very grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome last evening. Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also attended a dinner hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ahead of formal bilateral engagements. Sharing photographs from the meeting, he said discussions would continue on advancing the India-Italy partnership.
“Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship,” Modi said on X.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed PM Modi upon his arrival in Rome on Tuesday night, marking the final leg of his five-nation tour. In a post on X, Meloni said, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”, highlighting the cordial ties between the two leaders.
During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with PM Meloni and meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphili, where both sides are likely to adopt a joint declaration aimed at deepening the India-Italy strategic partnership.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral engagement.
“India and Italy share a longstanding and multifaceted partnership. The visit is set to add new momentum to the India-Italy partnership,” Jaiswal said in a post on X, noting that PM Modi was received at the airport by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral relations as both countries advance the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.
The roadmap focuses on expanding cooperation across trade and investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the broadening scope of the India-Italy strategic partnership.
