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- PM Modi Italy Visit Highlights: PM Modi arrives in Delhi, wraps up five-nation foreign visit
PM Modi Italy Visit Highlights: PM Modi arrives in Delhi, wraps up five-nation foreign visit
The atmosphere around Modi’s arrival reflected both diplomatic significance and cultural warmth. The Prime Minister interacted with members of the Indian community, signed autographs for children and witnessed special cultural performances organised in his honour. Italian artists performed musical pieces inspired by Indian classical traditions, including a composition based on Raga Hamsadhwani, while an Italian Kathak artist who had lived in India for 15 years expressed happiness at welcoming the Prime Minister through dance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to conclude his five-nation diplomatic tour with an official visit to Italy on May 19-20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit comes after a series of high-level engagements across Europe focused on boosting India’s global partnerships in trade, defence, energy security, innovation, mobility and strategic cooperation.
During the Italy visit, Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Meloni and call on Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment, defence industrial partnerships, maritime security, resilient supply chains, clean energy cooperation and technology collaboration.
Ahead of the visit, India’s Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao described the trip as Modi’s first bilateral visit to Italy, noting that previous visits were linked to multilateral events such as the G7 and G20 summits. She said India-Italy ties are “growing” and “deepening”, with both governments working to implement a five-year action plan launched after the two countries announced a strategic partnership in 2023.
Rao also highlighted key areas of cooperation expected to dominate discussions, including defence manufacturing, ports, mobility, talent exchange and energy security. She said India wants Italian companies to view the country not just as a market but as a long-term strategic and technology partner.
The Italy leg follows Modi’s engagements in Norway, where he held talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. The two countries elevated bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in clean energy, sustainable growth, green shipping, the blue economy, research, healthcare and innovation. Modi also welcomed Norway joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Throughout the multi-nation tour, India projected its focus on strengthening strategic partnerships with major global economies while positioning itself as a key player in supply chain resilience, maritime security, energy transition and emerging technologies.
Business communities in Italy also expressed optimism ahead of Modi’s arrival, saying the visit is expected to further strengthen already growing trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used the Hindi phrase 'parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai' to describe the growing India-Italy ties, emphasizing hard work as key to success. The two nations upgraded their bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, unveiling a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, aiming for a 20 billion euro trade target.
Read full storyCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a fresh attack on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government over rising prices, unemployment and economic challenges, accusing the Prime Minister of focusing on “PR” and optics during his Italy visit while ordinary citizens struggle with economic distress.
In a statement referencing the viral “Melodi” moment involving PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Opposition said, “Modi ji wants the public to enjoy the ‘melody’ of speeches while surviving the ‘misery’ of his government's loot!”
The Opposition alleged that inflation and taxation had sharply increased the burden on households, claiming domestic LPG prices had risen by over 120% since 2014 and commercial cylinder prices by nearly 154%. It also cited fuel taxes, rising costs of essentials and declining purchasing power as major concerns.
The statement further accused the government of failing to address unemployment and examination paper leaks, alleging that youth unemployment had climbed to 15.2% while repeated paper leak controversies had damaged recruitment credibility.
On the economy, the Opposition pointed to the rupee hitting record lows, declining foreign exchange reserves and rising foreign portfolio investor outflows as signs of mounting economic pressure.
It also alleged widening inequality, claiming the wealth of leading industrialists had surged even as millions remained dependent on government ration schemes.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Italy visit and viral interactions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing him of being disconnected from domestic economic concerns.
“An economic storm is brewing over our heads, and our Prime Minister is out in Italy handing out sweets!” an Opposition leader said in a sharp attack targeting Modi’s recent “Melodi” moment with Meloni.
The criticism came after videos of PM Modi and the Italian Prime Minister sharing light-hearted moments, including Meloni joking about “Melody” chocolates gifted by Modi, gained traction online.
“Farmers, youth, women, workers, and small traders are all in tears - the PM is laughing and filming Reels, while the BJP lot are clapping along,” the Opposition leader said.
“This isn't leadership, it's a farce,” the statement added.
PM Modi is currently in Italy on the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour, where he is holding talks focused on trade, defence, clean energy, technology and strategic cooperation between India and Italy.
The meeting comes amid growing momentum in India-Italy relations, with both countries looking to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, clean energy, technology, innovation and strategic partnerships under the 'Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029'.
“India and Italy intend to further strengthen their cooperation in sectors such as defence, security and strategic technologies,” the two leaders said.
They said bilateral cooperation would focus on safeguarding critical maritime routes and enhancing resilience against threats including terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, international criminal networks and drug trafficking.
The statement comes amid increasing global focus on maritime security, strategic supply chains and geopolitical stability.
“The coming decades will be shaped by a technological revolution of unmeasurable scope,” the leaders said.
They highlighted India’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem and Italy’s industrial expertise as complementary strengths capable of driving strategic cooperation in emerging technologies.
The two countries also emphasised the need for “responsible and human-centred” AI development.
“Conceiving AI as a tool created by humans for humans means firmly asserting that technology cannot replace individuals or undermine their fundamental rights,” the statement said.
The leaders said India’s digital public infrastructure model is increasingly finding resonance globally, especially in the Global South.
“‘Made in Italy’ has always been synonymous with excellence worldwide, and today it finds a natural synergy with the high-quality goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” the leaders said.
They said the partnership aims to combine Italian design, manufacturing excellence and advanced computing capabilities with India’s engineering talent, entrepreneurial ecosystem and rapid economic growth.
“This is not a simple integration, but a co-creation of value where our respective industrial strengths amplify one another,” the statement added.
New Delhi and Rome said they aim to expand bilateral trade beyond Euro 20 billion by 2029, with both sides seeking stronger cooperation across sectors, including defence, aerospace, clean technologies and manufacturing.
“The Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and India paves the way for increased trade and investment in both directions. We want to reach and exceed the Euro 20 billion target for trade between Italy and India by 2029,” the joint statement said.
The leaders identified sectors such as defence and aerospace, machinery, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, agri-food and tourism as key growth areas.
They also highlighted growing industrial integration between the two countries, noting that over 1,000 Indian and Italian companies are now operating across both markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said India-Italy relations have reached a “decisive stage”, with the partnership evolving into a special strategic relationship driven by shared democratic values and a common vision for the future.
“The relationship between India and Italy has now reached a decisive stage. In recent years, our ties have expanded with unprecedented momentum, evolving from a cordial friendship into a special strategic partnership grounded in the values of freedom and democracy, and a common vision for the future,” the two leaders said.
They said the partnership is gaining a “new and higher dimension” through deeper political engagement, economic cooperation and civilisational links amid a rapidly changing global order.
The artists performed Hamsadhwani, which means 'the cry of the swan'. This is a bright, auspicious, and pentatonic raga shared by both Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. Created in the 18th century by the Carnatic composer Ramaswami Dikshitar, it is frequently used for opening concerts and invocations.
The act prompted the Italian leader to post a light-hearted video thanking him for the gift. Sharing the video on X, Meloni wrote, "Thank you for the gift.
"In the viral video, the Italian Prime Minister can be heard saying, "Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee — Melody."
The summit, attended by leaders from the Nordic region, sought to expand collaboration across sectors ranging from clean energy and Arctic research to talent mobility and maritime security.
In the video, Meloni is seen holding a packet of “Melody” chocolates while standing beside PM Modi, jokingly referring to the popular nickname coined by social media users for the two leaders.
“Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift. A very very good toffee. Melody,” Meloni said, as both leaders burst into laughter.
The moment highlighted the warm camaraderie between the two leaders, whose interactions at global summits and bilateral meetings have frequently sparked the trending “Melodi” hashtag online.
Meloni had earlier also shared posts captioned “Team Melodi”, embracing the nickname that has become popular among supporters of both leaders.
Italian artist Valerio Bruni, who performed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welcome in Rome, said the Prime Minister appeared deeply engaged with the cultural presentation.
“I felt Prime Minister Narendra Modi was really excited. He followed our performance, clapped later, and I think he really appreciated our performance...” Bruni said after the event.
Bruni was among the Italian musicians who performed Indian classical music during the reception organised for PM Modi by the Indian diaspora in Rome on the final leg of his five-nation tour.
PM Modi shared glimpses of the interaction where in one image, the two leaders stand side by side inside the Colosseum at night. Against the softly lit backdrop of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, the two leaders were seen engaged in an extended conversation while overlooking the historic monument.
Another candid moment captures PM Modi and Meloni lean against a railing overlooking Rome's skyline during sunset, appearing deep in discussion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the growing global interest in Indian classical dance after five Italian performers showcased a special presentation titled ‘Trigalbandi’ during his welcome in Rome.
“Five Italians passionate about Indian dance, Svamini Atmananda Giri, Ms. Martina Meenakshi Argada, Ms. Lucrezia Maniscotti, Ms. Valeria Vespaziani, Ms. Rosella Fanelli performed ‘Trigalbandi’, which included Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and Kathak,” Modi said.
“It is wonderful to see Indian dance forms drawing global interest,” he added.
The performance was part of the cultural reception organised for PM Modi during his arrival in Italy on the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour.
The high-profile transit, spanning the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy from May 15 to 20, comes at a time when the international community is navigating severe geopolitical headwinds, including conflicts in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Here is what's on the agenda for this visit.
“Indian music is getting very popular in Italy. During the community welcome in Rome last evening, five Italian artistes performed the Hamsadhwani,” Modi said while sharing a video from the event.
The Prime Minister also praised the musicians who performed the Indian classical composition, complimenting “Mr. Valerio Bruni (Santoor), Mr. Leo Vertunni (Sitar), Mr. Simone Mattiello (Bansuri), Mr. Francesco Gherardi (Tabla) and Mr. Nicolo Mellochi (Bansuri).”
The cultural presentation formed part of the reception organised by the Indian diaspora in Rome during Modi’s official visit to Italy, the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour.
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.
“I am very grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome last evening,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Praising the diaspora’s contribution to bilateral ties, the Prime Minister added, “Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a special cultural moment from his Italy visit after Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti presented his artwork depicting Varanasi, bringing “a glimpse of Kashi in Rome”.
Tomassetti’s association with Indian culture spans more than four decades. Beginning in the 1980s as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture, the Italian artist later worked extensively on themes rooted in Indian epics and traditions.
“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,” PM Modi said while sharing the moment.
The interaction took place during Modi’s arrival in Rome, where he received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora and cultural performers on the final leg of his five-nation tour.
