PM Narendra Modi Arrives in Rome to Strengthen India–Italy Strategic Partnership

Rome, May 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rome on an official visit to Italy, marking the final leg of his multi-nation diplomatic tour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The MEA described the visit as “scripting a new chapter in the India–Italy Strategic Partnership,” underscoring the growing momentum in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Upon arrival at the airport in Rome, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.

The MEA said the visit reflects India’s continued efforts to deepen strategic engagement with key European partners and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi outlined the key objectives of his visit. He stated that he would be meeting Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to hold detailed discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.

He further said that a major focus of the visit would be advancing collaboration on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which is seen as a key connectivity and trade initiative linking three major regions.

The Prime Minister also noted that the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 between India and Italy would be reviewed during the discussions. He added that he would visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reaffirming India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and global food security.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit to Norway, where he participated in the third India–Nordic Summit held in Oslo. His visit to Rome comes after his previous trip to Italy in June 2024 for the G7 Summit.

According to the MEA, the India–Italy relationship is currently witnessing strong momentum, with both sides actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The roadmap outlines cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, defence and security, 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 (FDI) from Italy into India stood at USD 3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025, the MEA noted.

The ministry further highlighted that the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to significantly enhance India’s engagement with Europe, particularly in the context of the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to boost trade and investment ties across the region.

The ongoing visit is being seen as an important step toward strengthening India’s global partnerships and expanding strategic cooperation with European nations.