Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with India’s popular “Melody” candy during his visit to Italy, according to content shared by Meloni on social media. Meloni posted a video on the social media platform X and wrote that Prime Minister Modi had brought her “a very good candy — Melody” and thanked him for the gift.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday during the final leg of his five-country foreign tour, where he was received at the airport by India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Sarraju Rao, and other officials. Modi greeted attendees with “Namaste” upon arrival. Members of the Indian community and local artists also participated in welcoming the Prime Minister and cultural performances were presented during the reception.
During the visit, Modi and Meloni travelled together in Rome and visited the historic Colosseum, where photographs and selfies of the two leaders were shared publicly. Meloni also posted a selfie with Modi and wrote, “Welcome my friend.”
Modi and Meloni held discussions on global issues in an informal setting and focused on strengthening India-Italy cooperation in strategic, economic and technological sectors. Media reports cited in the source content stated that both countries are considering elevating bilateral ties to a “special strategic partnership” and are also discussing arrangements for regular annual summit meetings.
The visit included discussions related to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a project launched in 2023 to connect India, the Middle East and Europe through rail, ports, shipping routes, digital infrastructure and energy connectivity. Countries associated with the initiative include India, the United States, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany and Italy.
According to the source content, bilateral trade between India and Italy currently exceeds €14 billion. Cooperation between the two countries has expanded in sectors including defence, trade, energy, automobiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals and advanced technology. Modi is also scheduled to meet leading Italian industrialists and business representatives during the visit to discuss investment, industrial partnerships and manufacturing cooperation in India.
The IMEC project also includes plans related to green hydrogen, electricity networks and digital connectivity aimed at strengthening energy cooperation and supply chain connectivity between India and Europe.
Italy marks the final stop of Modi’s five-country overseas visit, following visits to the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. Modi had previously travelled to Italy in June 2024 to attend the G7 summit.
