(Image source from: News9live.com)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday, as part of his five-country diplomatic visit. Earlier that day, PM Modi received a formal guard of honour in Italy. He arrived on Tuesday following an invitation from PM Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister was warmly greeted by the Indian community, cultural performers, and local supporters who gathered at his hotel in the capital city. Right after his arrival, PM Modi had dinner with Meloni and then toured the Colosseum with her, where they talked about various topics before their official talks began. The two leaders shared photos from their meeting on social media, which sparked another round of “Melodi” reactions online about their well-known friendship. In a joint press release with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Modi expressed gratitude for the grand reception he and his team received. He noted that Rome is famously called the 'Eternal City,' similar to his own constituency in India, Kashi. He emphasized that when two cultures come together, their conversations go beyond just an agenda, reflecting history, future insights, and the essence of friendship.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, during the joint announcement with Modi, expressed her pleasure in welcoming him and his team in Rome, declaring that this day marks a significant moment for the relationship between their countries. She noted that her friend, Narendra Modi, has been at the helm of India since 2014, but this is his first official visit to Italy for such discussions. The last time an Indian PM made a similar visit was back in 2000, which was 26 years ago. She mentioned that their current meeting helps to close that gap and signifies a commitment to rejuvenating their ties. This visit represents the pinnacle of a relationship they have worked on together to enhance their bonds to new heights. On Wednesday, PM Modi also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome, where they discussed expanding cooperation between India and Italy in fields like trade, technology, clean energy, and culture. In a post on X, PM Modi shared that he and President Mattarella talked about potential collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, essential minerals, space endeavors, and nuclear energy.

PM Modi was supported by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other high-ranking diplomatic officials.