Modi meets Italian PM Meloni over dinner, walks through Colosseum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni over dinner shortly after arriving in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation tour, before the two leaders took a late-evening walk through the iconic Colosseum. Sharing pictures from the evening on X, PM Modi wrote, "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," he added. PM Meloni too welcomed PM Modi warmly on social media, posting a photograph with the Indian Prime Minister and writing, "Welcome to Rome, my friend!" "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," he added. Against the softly lit backdrop of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, the two leaders were seen engaged in an extended conversation while overlooking the historic monument. The setting quiet stone corridors, golden arches glowing in the night and panoramic views of Rome at dusk lent the meeting an unusually personal and relaxed tone beyond formal diplomacy. In one image shared by PM Modi, the two leaders stand side by side inside the Colosseum at night. PM Modi is dressed in a dark navy blue bandhgala suit paired with white churidar trousers and black shoes, while Meloni wears a light pink embroidered top with white trousers. Both leaders appear relaxed as they pose against the dramatic ancient backdrop illuminated by warm amber lights. Another photograph captures a more candid moment. Modi and Meloni lean against a railing overlooking Rome’s skyline during sunset, appearing deep in discussion. Meloni is seen adjusting her hair while listening intently, while Modi gestures toward the city below. The image reflects a quieter diplomatic moment, away from formal meeting rooms and official podiums. Earlier, PM Modi received a warm reception from the Indian community after arriving in Rome. Members of the diaspora gathered outside his hotel with Indian flags, cultural performances and chants welcoming the Prime Minister during the last stop of his diplomatic tour. The Prime Minister interacted with members of the community, greeted children and even signed an autograph for a young admirer who presented him with a portrait. "I am very grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome last evening," PM Modi said in another post on X. "Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world,"he added. Among those who met the Prime Minister was Svamini Shuddhananda Ghiri, who said she had met PM Modi earlier in 2021 as well. "I am very happy, and this is the second time we have met him. We met him in 2021 and he also continued to sustain and to foster our mission," she told ANI. PM Modi’s visit to Italy comes at a time when bilateral ties between the two countries are seeing renewed momentum under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which focuses on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology, clean energy and connectivity. The Rome visit marks the final stop of Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour. Before arriving in Italy, the Prime Minister visited Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.