PM Modi calls on Italian President Mattarella, reviews bilateral ties
PM Modi was accompanied by EAM S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George and other senior diplomatic officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and held discussions on further expanding the India-Italy collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, clean energy and culture.
During the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior diplomatic officials.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Italy, where he met his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, over dinner, followed by a trip to the Colosseum.
Before arriving in Rome, the Prime Minister was in Oslo, Norway, where he participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit.
Rome:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and held discussions on further expanding the India-Italy collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, clean energy and culture.
PM Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday on the concluding leg of his five-nation tour from May 15-20. He was previously in the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. In a social media post, the prime minister said he discussed different aspects relating …
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. “The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership,”…
Modi and Mattarella “held discussions in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, AI and culture,” he said. India and Italy have witnessed growing economic engagement in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching Euro 14.25 billion…
India’s exports stood at Euro 8.55 billion, while Italian exports to India were recorded at Euro 5.70 billion in 2025, marking an increase of 9.42 per cent over 2024. The two countries have set a target of raising yearly bilateral trade to Euro 20 b…
Prior to the meeting, PM Modi and President Mattarella warmly welcomed each other and met members of each other’s delegation.
“PM Narendra Modi called on the President Sergio Mattarella of the Italian Republic.
The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership and held discussions in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, AI and culture. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on
On Tuesday, PM Modi attended a dinner hosted by Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. He also shared a few pictures on X and said that he is looking forward to their talks on Wednesday, where they will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship. The two leaders also visited the iconic Colosseum in Rome.
“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 ahead to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship,” wrote PM Modi.
Meloni warmly greeted PM Modi to Italy as he arrived in Rome on Tuesday night on the final leg of his five-nation visit.
Extending a personal greeting to PM Modi, Meloni posted on X: “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”
Sharing details of the visit, the MEA posted on
He added, “India and Italy share a longstanding and multifaceted partnership. The visit is set to add new momentum to the India-Italy partnership.”
According to the MEA, PM Modi’s visit to Italy comes amid increasing momentum in bilateral ties, with both countries actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The roadmap covers cooperation in trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Norway’s top civilian honor conferred
In a ceremonial highlight, King Harald V awarded Modi the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, acknowledging his contributions to bilateral relations and global progress. Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India and the enduring India–Norway friendship. The award, his 32nd international honour, was accompanied by a royal luncheon and discussions on technological cooperation.
Final tour leg focuses on Italy
Arriving in Rome,Modi is set to meet President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in his first bilateral trip to Italy. Talks will review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 and focus on defence, renewable energy, maritime security, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. His itinerary also includes FAO headquarters and Vatican City, signaling a blend of strategic, economic and cultural diplomacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome during the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. The high-level delegation meeting focused on reviewing and expanding the comprehensive India–Italy Strategic Partnership.Key Highlights of the MeetingStrategic Cooperation: PM Modi and President Mattarella reaffirmed the enduring ties between the two nations, reaffirming the progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.Emerging Technology Focus: Discussions centered heavily on deep collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), space exploration, critical minerals, and nuclear energy.Economic & Clean Energy Ties: The leaders held extensive talks on boosting bilateral trade, tech innovation, manufacturing, and clean energy solutions.Global Perspectives: PM Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss regional stability and global developments of mutual interest.
Broader Context of the Visit The meeting with the President followed PM Modi‘s arrival in Rome, where he was extended a ceremonial welcome. He also held comprehensive bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders visited the historic Colosseum and co-authored a joint op-ed outlining a vision for an “Indo-Mediterranean” era of shared democratic values, economic dynamism, and security. Before arriving in Italy, PM Modi concluded diplomatic engagements in the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. According to reports from the Deccan Herald, economic ties between India and Italy have risen significantly, with annual trade exceeding €14.25 billion and a joint target set to reach €20 billion by 2029.
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