'Welcome to Rome, My Friend' — Meloni Greets PM Narendra Modi During Italy Visit

Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Italy's capital Rome on Tuesday on the last leg of his long tour of five countries. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni herself came to receive him at the airport. Both leaders hugged each other and met. Meloni later posted the photo on social media platform X and wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” The friendship between the two has been seen many times before. From the G7 summit to the programmes held in India, both the leaders remain quite comfortable.

What is Modi's complete plan in Italy?

PM Modi will return to India on Wednesday. Before that his schedule in Rome is quite tight. First of all he will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella. After meeting the president, there will be a private conversation between PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni. This is called bilateral talk. Sources say that four big issues will be discussed in this meeting. First, how to increase the buying and selling of goods between India and Italy. Second, how should both the countries work together in making defence goods. Third, help each other with new technology. And fourth, how can Italian companies invest more money in India? Officials of both countries have already prepared papers on these issues.

How did India's friendship with Italy suddenly become so deep?

It is true that till 3-4 years ago the relations between India and Italy were not so special. But now the scene has changed. Both countries have made a plan from 2025 to 2029. This is called ‘Joint Strategic Plan’. Under this, it has been decided that both the countries will work as partners in trade, defence and technology. PM Modi also visited Italy in June last year. Then the G7 meeting was held there. During that time also there was a lot of talk between Meloni and Modi. Italy is a big country in Europe. India wants to strengthen its hold in Europe. This work will be easy through Italy.

Where was PM Modi before Rome?

Before coming to Italy, PM Modi was in Oslo, the capital of Norway. ‘India-Nordic Summit’ took place there. The prime ministers of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Sweden were present in it. This was the third time that such a meeting between India and Nordic countries took place. It was discussed in the meeting how to save the earth from warming. For this, work will be done on green technology. That means such technology which does not cause pollution. Apart from this, working together in artificial intelligence, trade and weapons making was also discussed. Nordic countries are far ahead in technology. India needs his support.

What did the Ministry of External Affairs say on the visit?

The Foreign Ministry said that the visit to Oslo was very good. Relations between India and Norway are now stronger than ever. The ministry says that India's friendship with Nordic countries is now going to a new level. This tour is proof of this. Overall, PM Modi's tour of 5 countries was a profitable deal for India. After the meeting with Meloni in Italy, India will get a strong ally in Europe.