PM Modi dines with Giorgia Meloni in Rome, bilateral talks set for Wednesday
Synopsis
Modi's Rome stopover is more than a diplomatic courtesy call. Dinner at the Colosseum, a joint declaration in the offing at Villa Doria Pamphili, and a freshly inked India-EU FTA as backdrop — this visit marks a deliberate effort to convert a warming personal chemistry between Modi and Meloni into durable strategic and economic architecture.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday night on the final leg of his five-nation tour.
He attended a dinner hosted by Italian PM Giorgia Meloni , followed by a visit to the Colosseum .
Formal bilateral talks are scheduled for Wednesday at Villa Doria Pamphili , where both sides are expected to adopt a joint declaration .
India-Italy bilateral trade reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025 ; cumulative FDI stood at USD 3.66 billion (April 2000–September 2025).
Both countries are implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 covering trade, defence, clean energy, and science.
The visit follows the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement and Modi's last Italy trip for the G7 Summit in June 2024 .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday night for an official visit to Italy, the final leg of his five-nation tour, and attended a dinner hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders also visited the iconic Colosseum after dinner, with Modi describing the evening as an opportunity to exchange perspectives on a wide range of subjects.
What Modi Said on X
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi posted: 'Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship.'
Meloni responded warmly, posting on X: 'Welcome to Rome, my friend!' — underscoring the close personal rapport the two leaders have cultivated over recent engagements.
Bilateral Talks and Key Agenda
Modi is scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with PM Meloni on Wednesday at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili. The two leaders are expected to adopt a joint declaration to further deepen the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Modi is also set to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella during the visit.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: 'Scripting a new chapter in the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Rome on an official visit to Italy. He was warmly received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani of Italy.' Jaiswal added that the visit is 'set to add new momentum to the India-Italy partnership.'
Strategic Partnership and Trade Ties
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties, with both countries actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. The roadmap spans cooperation in trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Bilateral trade between India and Italy reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative foreign direct investment stood at USD 3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025, according to the MEA.
Broader European Context
The MEA noted that the visit is also expected to strengthen India's broader engagement with Europe, particularly in trade and investment, following the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Italy since he attended the G7 Summit in June 2024. The timing signals a deliberate push to consolidate ties with key European partners as India deepens its global economic footprint.
Point of View
But the substance lies in what gets signed at Villa Doria Pamphili. The India-Italy relationship has long punched below its weight — USD 16.77 billion in bilateral trade is modest for two economies of this scale. The joint declaration and the Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 are the real tests of whether this warmth translates into measurable deliverables. With the India-EU FTA now concluded, Italy becomes a potential gateway for Indian goods into Europe — but only if the follow-through on investment and defence cooperation matches the rhetoric of a 'new chapter.'
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi visiting Italy in May 2025?
PM Modi is in Rome on an official bilateral visit, the final stop of his five-nation tour, aimed at strengthening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. The visit includes formal talks with PM Giorgia Meloni, a meeting with President Sergio Mattarella, and is expected to result in a joint declaration at Villa Doria Pamphili.
What did PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni discuss over dinner?
According to Modi's post on X, the two leaders 'exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects' during the dinner, which was followed by a visit to the Colosseum. Formal discussions on boosting India-Italy ties are scheduled for Wednesday.
What is the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029?
It is a bilateral roadmap covering cooperation in trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries are actively implementing it, with bilateral trade reaching USD 16.77 billion in 2025.
When did Modi last visit Italy before this trip?
PM Modi last visited Italy in June 2024 to attend the G7 Summit. This 2025 visit is his first dedicated bilateral trip to the country.
How does the India-EU FTA affect Modi's Italy visit?
The recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement adds strategic weight to the visit, with the MEA noting it is expected to further strengthen India's engagement with Europe in trade and investment. Italy, as a major EU economy, is a key partner in translating the FTA into commercial outcomes.
