Rome/Italy, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Colosseum in Rome on Tuesday evening, accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit marked a symbolic moment in Modi’s official trip to Italy, the final leg of his five‑nation tour.

The Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, stands as a testament to Roman engineering and history. Completed in 80 AD under the Flavian dynasty, the elliptical stone and concrete structure once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, accommodating nearly 80,000 spectators.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "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… pic.twitter.com/hEVDMGRvLk

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) May 20, 2026

Warm Welcome by Italian PM
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni personally welcomed Modi to Rome, underscoring the close rapport between the two leaders. Sharing a greeting on X, Meloni wrote: “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” Earlier, she hosted a dinner for Modi, where both leaders exchanged views on strengthening bilateral ties.

Also Read: PM Modi Heads to Rome after Fruitful Norway Visit

Strengthening India‑Italy Friendship
Modi expressed optimism about his talks with Meloni, noting that discussions would focus on boosting the India‑Italy friendship. He posted on X: “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.”

Bilateral Agenda
During his visit, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphili and meet President Sergio Mattarella. Both leaders are expected to adopt a joint declaration to deepen the India‑Italy strategic partnership.

ଇଟାଲୀରେ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ମୋଦୀ । ୫ ଦେଶୀୟ ବିଦେଶ ଗସ୍ତର ଶେଷ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାୟରେ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ନରେନ୍ଦ୍ର ମୋଦୀ ଇଟାଲୀର ରାଜଧାନୀ ରୋମରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିଛନ୍ତି । ରୋମ ବିମାନବନ୍ଦରରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିବା ପରେ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କୁ ସେଠାରେ ଭବ୍ୟ ସ୍ୱାଗତ କରାଯାଇଛି। #PMModi #ModiInItaly #Rome #IndiaItaly #GlobalLeader #ArgusNews pic.twitter.com/wdpQEqwJP2

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) May 20, 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties, with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025‑2029 covering cooperation in trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people‑to‑people exchanges.

India‑Italy trade reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative Italian FDI in India stood at USD 3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025. The MEA noted that the visit would further strengthen India’s engagement with Europe, especially following the recently concluded India‑EU Free Trade Agreement.

Modi last visited Italy in June 2024 to attend the G7 Summit. His current trip is expected to add fresh momentum to the multifaceted partnership between the two nations.