PM MODI VISIT TO ITALY


Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome for a two-day visit (19-20 May 2026) to Italy, marking the final leg of his five-nation tour. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. This visit is taking place at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. PM Modi had previously visited Italy in June 2024 to attend the G7 Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm reception from members of the Indian diaspora after arriving in Rome. A large number of community members gathered to welcome the Prime Minister outside his hotel, where cultural performances were also organised to mark his arrival in the Italian capital. Five Italian artists performed the "Hamsadhwani" during the community event. PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian community and acknowledged greetings from supporters gathered at the venue. Indian music is getting very popular in Italy.


A VISIT TO THE ICONIC COLOSSEUM


Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Colosseum in Rome along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Italy. The two leaders toured the historic monument after meeting in the Italian capital ahead of formal bilateral talks aimed at boosting India-Italy cooperation across key sectors.


PM MODI RECEIVES PAINTING OF VARANASI GHAT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a painting showcasing the iconic ghats of Varanasi during his visit to Italy. The artwork, reflecting the cultural and spiritual essence of Varanasi, was gifted to the Prime Minister as part of the welcome ceremony.

Mr. Giampaolo Tomassetti, an Italian painter, presented his work on Varanasi. His passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades. In the 1980’s, he started as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture. From 2008 to 2013, he worked on 23 large paintings relating to the Mahabharat.


BILATERAL TALKS WITH PRIME MINISTER MELONI

Mr. Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Meloni. They exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects.  They made the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship. Discussions between the two leaders are likely to cover trade, investment, advanced technology, and global issues. Besides, the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 was reviewed.  PM Modi also visited the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in order to strengthen India’s commitment to multilateralism as well as global food security.

Besides, PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni discussed tensions in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific security, energy security, and global supply chains.

Political and economic relations between India and Italy have gained momentum over the past few years. Both countries are continuously expanding their cooperation in the fields of defense, energy, trade, science, and new technologies.

Currently, trade between India and Italy exceeds 14 billion euros (14 lakh crore rupees). Both nations are working to boost investment in the manufacturing, automotive, machinery, pharmaceutical, defense, and green energy sectors and vowed to expand annual trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029.

Furthermore, the entire world is keeping a close watch on the discussions surrounding the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). It is believed that this project will significantly boost trade and connectivity between India and Europe.


MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF ITALY, SERGIO MATTARELLA


Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and held discussions on further expanding the bilateral partnership in areas such as trade, investment, technology, critical minerals, AI, space, and nuclear energy. He also discussed different aspects relating to the India-Italy friendship, including trade, investment, and cultural linkages with President Mattarella.


FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION HONOURS PM MODI WITH THE AGRICOLA MEDAL


Director-General of FAO Dr. QU Dongyu presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the FAO Agricola Medal for 2026, the Organization’s highest award, in a ceremony held in the historic FAO Plenary Hall at FAO Headquarters, Rome.

PM Modi was conferred with the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.


THE WINE INDUSTRY PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN ITALY’s ECONOMY


When the subject of wine arises globally, France is the first country that comes to the minds of most people. Some also consider the United States to be a major player, but in recent years, Italy has surpassed them all. Today, Italy has emerged as the world's largest wine-producing nation. Experts believe that more than 500 grape varieties are found in Italy. This number is far higher than that of many countries around the world.

Grape cultivation has been practiced in Italy for centuries. Farmers here have been producing wine for generations. Grapes are grown in almost every part of the country. Hilly terrain, sea breezes, and a balanced climate enhance the quality of the grapes. In Italy, wine is produced by entities ranging from small family farms to large-scale industries. This is precisely why both tradition and modernity are seen coexisting here. Italy is known for several special wines. Among these, Chianti, Prosecco, and Barolo are quite popular.

During his visit to Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a special ‘Melody’ toffee as a gift to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni thanked the PM for this gift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the Indian community in Italy for the warm reception he received in Rome during the final leg of his five-nation tour.

 


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