Meloni to Modi: ‘Welcome to Rome, my friend’ post with Colosseum photo sparks global attention

Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on the final leg of his five-nation tour, where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him at the historic Colosseum with a public message calling him “my friend”.

The visit highlights the growing strategic and economic engagement between India and Italy across multiple sectors.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a photograph with PM Modi from the Colosseum stands in Rome and posted “Welcome to Rome, my friend” on social media. The interaction was widely seen as a symbolic display of close diplomatic ties between the two leaders.

High-level talks planned during Rome visit

During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, clean energy, technology and maritime security.

A key agenda point is the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to improve connectivity and trade routes between Asia and Europe. Both sides are expected to review progress on expanding infrastructure, logistics and supply chain cooperation under this framework.

India and Italy have been steadily expanding economic engagement, with bilateral trade reaching about $16.77 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment from Italy into India has also increased over the years, reflecting deeper industrial and commercial collaboration.

Cultural welcome and diaspora engagement

PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival in Rome, including cultural performances arranged at his hotel. He also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and was received at the airport by senior Italian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.

The Italy visit concludes PM Modi’s multi-country diplomatic tour covering Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. The tour has focused on strengthening India’s global partnerships in clean energy, technology, defence cooperation and economic resilience.