Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 20 May celebrated the growing global footprint of Indian classical dance forms after five Italian artists performed a medley of Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak to welcome him in Rome during the final leg of his five-nation tour. Modi shared the video on X, calling it “wonderful to see Indian dance forms drawing global interest.”

The Performance and the Artists

The five performers — Svamini Atmananda Giri, Martina Meenakshi Argada, Lucrezia Maniscotti, Valeria Vespaziani, and Rosella Fanelli — presented a piece titled ‘Trigalbandi’, a fusion of three classical Indian dance traditions. The performance was organised with support from the Indian Embassy in Rome.

Artist Martina Argada said Modi told them the performance was excellent, adding: “We are very thankful to the Indian Embassy in Rome for giving us the opportunity to perform in front of the Indian Prime Minister.”

Kathak artist Rosella Fanelli described the occasion as deeply emotional. “It was very nice for me and for my friends. We were waiting for a long time, so the emotions were very high. I consider this opportunity a very nice experience, and I hope we can meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India,” she said.

Modi at the Colosseum with Meloni

On the sidelines of his official engagements, Prime Minister Modi visited the Colosseum in Rome alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Colosseum, completed in 80 AD under the Flavian dynasty, is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and could once accommodate up to 80,000 spectators. Modi shared photographs from the visit on X, noting that the two leaders “exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects.”

Meloni’s Welcome and Bilateral Agenda

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Modi upon his arrival in Rome on Tuesday night (local time), posting on X: “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” The two leaders held an informal dinner before the Colosseum visit, setting the tone for formal bilateral talks scheduled for Wednesday.

Modi is set to hold structured talks with Meloni at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, where both sides are expected to adopt a joint declaration aimed at deepening the India-Italy strategic partnership. He is also scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Significance of the India-Italy Engagement

The Rome leg concludes a five-nation tour for Modi, and the emphasis on cultural diplomacy — from the Trigalbandi performance to the Colosseum visit — underscores New Delhi’s broader strategy of soft power outreach in Europe. The anticipated joint declaration is expected to cover trade, technology, and defence cooperation, building on ties that have grown steadily since the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.