PM Modi Reaches Italy on Final Stop of Five-Nation Tour, Set to Meet Giorgia Meloni

Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Italy's capital Rome on Tuesday on the last leg of his five-nation tour. He was welcomed at the airport by Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. After reaching Rome, PM Modi said that his visit will focus on further strengthening the cooperation between India and Italy.

Which leaders will PM Modi meet in Italy?

During this tour, PM Modi will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Important issues like trade, investment, defense and technology will be discussed between the two countries. Besides, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor i.e. IMEC will also be discussed. This project is considered very important to connect India with Europe.

What did PM Modi say on India-Italy friendship?

Posting on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote that there will be talks on giving new strength to relations with Italy. He said that both countries will also look at the Joint Strategic Action Plan of 2025-2029 to see how much work has been done. Apart from this, he will also visit the headquarters of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). There we will tell what India's stand is on eliminating food shortage in the world.

How was your time with the Indian community?

As soon as he reached Rome, PM Modi met people of the Indian community. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the people to meet him. During this, he was also presented a beautiful painting of the ghats of Banaras. On reaching the hotel, cultural programs were organized to welcome him. There Indian artists gave performances of classical dance and music. PM Modi thanked everyone and said that Indians settled abroad are the real ambassadors of the country.

How did PM Meloni welcome him?

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed PM Modi in a special way. She posted a photo of both of them on Instagram and wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” Even before this, Meloni has shared a photo taken with PM Modi in the Colosseum. The good friendship between the two leaders is well known. From the G7 summit to the meetings held in India, both are quite comfortable.

Why are India-Italy relations considered important?

India and Italy have come very close in the last few years. Both countries are working rapidly on the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029. Cooperation is increasing in areas like trade, defence, clean energy, science, technology and investment. By the year 2025, trade between the two countries is expected to reach 16.77 billion dollars. Investments worth billions of dollars have also come to India from Italy. Italian companies are showing interest in Make in India. Both the countries want to work together in the defense sector also. Overall, this visit of PM Modi will bring both countries closer. Projects like IMEC will further strengthen India's connection with Europe.