Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome on Wednesday, 20 May, with both leaders reaffirming the strength of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and holding wide-ranging discussions on trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and culture. The bilateral meeting formed a key part of Modi's official visit to Italy — the final leg of his five-nation tour.

Key Developments from the Meeting

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials accompanied the Prime Minister during the meeting. Prior to the formal talks, Modi and Mattarella warmly greeted each other and exchanged introductions with their respective delegations.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the meeting's outcomes in a post on X, stating: 'PM Narendra Modi called on the President Sergio Mattarella of the Italian Republic. The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership and held discussions in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, AI and culture. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.'

Modi-Meloni Dinner and Colosseum Visit

The day before his meeting with Mattarella, Modi attended a dinner hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday evening, following his arrival in Rome. The two leaders also visited the iconic Colosseum together. Modi shared photographs from the occasion on X, writing: '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 extended a personal welcome, posting on X: 'Welcome to Rome, my friend!' Modi was received at the airport by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Strategic Action Plan Driving Bilateral Momentum

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi's visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties, with both nations actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The roadmap covers cooperation across trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. This is the most structured bilateral framework India and Italy have operated under, signalling a shift from episodic engagement to sustained institutional cooperation.

Notably, the visit places India-Italy ties in the context of India's broader push to deepen partnerships with European democracies — a pattern that has accelerated since 2022 amid shifting global supply chains and energy realignments. With Italy holding the G7 presidency earlier this cycle, the bilateral optics carry added weight.

What Comes Next

With the Joint Strategic Action Plan as the operative framework, both governments are expected to advance working-group-level engagements on clean energy and AI in the coming months. The visit is also likely to build on trade and investment conversations that have gained pace as European firms seek to diversify manufacturing and sourcing partnerships beyond China.