New Delhi, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude on Wednesday for the warm welcome extended by the Indian community in Rome, Italy. He also praised the Italian artists for their splendid performances during the welcome ceremony.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, PM Modi stated, “I am very grateful for the warm welcome I received from the Indian community in Rome last evening. Their deep affection for India and commitment to strengthening India-Italy relations is commendable. Indian expatriates are continuously bringing glory to our country worldwide.”
He further noted, “Indian music is becoming quite popular in Italy. During the community welcome event, five Italian artists performed ‘Hansadhvani’. Congratulations to Valerio Bruni (santoor), Leo Vartuni (sitar), Simone Matielo (flute), Francesco Gherardi (tabla), and Nicolo Melocchi (flute).”
PM Modi also participated in a dinner hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sharing some photographs on social media and expressing eagerness to continue discussions aimed at further strengthening India-Italy relations.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi wrote on ‘X’, “After arriving in Rome, I had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni for dinner, followed by a visit to the historic Colosseum. We exchanged views on various topics. I look forward to today’s discussions, where we will further talk about strengthening India-Italy friendship.”
Prime Minister Meloni warmly welcomed PM Modi upon his arrival in Italy, greeting him on Tuesday night. In a personal message on ‘X’, she wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”, indicating a strong rapport between the two leaders.
PM Modi is set to engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Meloni and will also meet President Sergio Mattarella. He shared details of his visit, emphasizing that he arrived in Rome on an official trip aimed at strengthening relations with Italy. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on ‘X’, “A new chapter is being written in the strategic partnership between India and Italy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rome on an official visit, warmly welcomed at the airport by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.”
He added, “India and Italy have long-standing multifaceted relations. This visit will give new momentum to these relations.” According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this visit comes at a time when relations between the two countries are continuously strengthening. Both nations are implementing a joint strategic action plan for 2025-2029, which includes areas such as trade, investment, defense, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people connections.