Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by cheering members of the Indian diaspora in Rome as he began the final leg of his five-nation tour, with key India-Italy economic and strategic talks lined up
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Rome on Tuesday night for the fifth and final stop of his five-nation global tour, receiving a warm and festive welcome from the local Indian diaspora.
Fresh from Oslo, Norway, the Prime Minister was formally received at the airport by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani before heading to his hotel, where hundreds of members of the Indian community had gathered to greet him with tricolours, cheers and chants.
The atmosphere outside the hotel was more celebration than protocol. Members of the diaspora, along with Italian artists who have embraced Indian traditions, put together a colourful cultural programme to welcome the Prime Minister.
Rome, Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora and Italian artists during his visit to Italy.
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/V7hl5yd4yT
— IANS (@ians_india) May 20, 2026
One of the standout moments was a performance by Italian musicians who played a special instrumental arrangement based on the Indian classical Raga Hamsadhwani. The performers said they wanted to celebrate India’s rich musical heritage “right here in the heart of Europe.”
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses a spiritual performance as he arrives at a hotel in Rome, Italy
(Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/a1Zc0e0zKT
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2026
Another memorable moment came when an Italian artist presented PM Modi with a hand-painted artwork inspired by Varanasi, reflecting the spiritual and cultural significance of one of India’s oldest cities.
#WATCH | Rome, Italy | Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented with a painting depicting the ghats of Varanasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Italy, on the last leg of his five-nation visit.
(Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/XB8DpEgXnD
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2026
PM Modi also spent time interacting with people gathered there, walking along the barricades, shaking hands, exchanging greetings and even signing an autograph on a hand-drawn portrait gifted by a young member of the diaspora. Several attendees described the interaction as emotional and spoke of the Prime Minister’s message of “oneness and togetherness.”
But beyond the cultural celebrations, the Rome visit carries strategic and economic importance.
Soon after landing, PM Modi posted on X that his meetings with Italian Prime Minister
Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella would focus on strengthening economic ties, boosting regional connectivity and advancing cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The two sides are also expected to review progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029, discuss food security during Modi’s visit to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, and explore ways to build on record bilateral trade of $16.77 billion achieved in 2025.
The visit also coincides with a major cultural milestone for the Indian community in Italy, with spiritual leaders noting that the Italian Parliament has formally recognised the Sanatana Dharma Samgha as a registered religion, a move many in the diaspora are calling historic.
Rome marks the final stop of Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour, which included visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. After completing his bilateral engagements in Italy, the Prime Minister is expected to return to New Delhi.
First Published:
May 20, 2026, 08:08 IST
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