In a post on X following the meeting, Meloni said ties between the two nations had expanded with “unprecedented momentum” in recent years, transforming from a cordial friendship into a “special strategic partnership”.
“The relationship between India and Italy has now reached a decisive phase. In recent years, our ties have expanded with unprecedented momentum, evolving from a cordial friendship to a special strategic partnership founded on the values of freedom and democracy, as well as a shared vision of the future,” Meloni wrote.
The ‘Melody moment’
Prime Minister Modi revived the viral “Melody” meme associated with the two leaders by gifting Meloni a set of ‘Melody’ toffees, prompting another round of online chatter around their public camaraderie.
The term “Melody” has become a popular internet reference among social media users to describe the warm rapport between Modi and Meloni, especially after the Italian Prime Minister’s viral interactions with him at international summits over the past two years.
Meloni later thanked Modi for the gift in a post on X, as the two leaders shared a light-hearted moment around the internet trend.
The leaders also visited Rome’s iconic Colosseum after a dinner meeting on Tuesday evening, where they were seen engaged in discussions across a range of issues.
Sharing glimpses of the meeting on X, Modi wrote: “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.”
Meloni had earlier welcomed Modi to Rome with a post saying, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”
Modi’s Italy visit
Modi’s visit comes amid growing momentum in India-Italy ties, with both sides pushing forward the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, a broad cooperation framework spanning trade, investment, defence, clean energy, technology and cultural exchanges.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative Italian foreign direct investment in India stood at USD 3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025.
During the visit, Modi also highlighted cultural links between the two countries, praising Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti for his decades-long engagement with Indian heritage and Vedic traditions.
Tomassetti presented Modi with a painting of Varanasi, the ancient city also known as Kashi. Modi noted that the artist’s association with Indian culture stretched back over four decades and included extensive work on themes related to the Mahabharata and Vedic literature.
“A glimpse of Kashi in Rome! Giampaolo Tomassetti, an Italian painter, presented his work on Varanasi,” Modi wrote on X. “His passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades.”