Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti presents painting on Varanasi to PM Modi

Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a painting on Varanasi during his visit to Italy, reflecting his long-standing admiration for the Indian culture.

Sharing the moment on X, PM Modi described the painting as “a glimpse of Kashi in Rome” and praised the artist’s decades-long engagement with Indian traditions and Vedic culture.

Tomassetti, who began illustrating books on Vedic culture in the 1980s, also worked on 23 large paintings related to the Mahabharata between 2008 and 2013.

Earlier, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Rome, where cultural performances, Indian classical music and a special artistic tribute highlighted the deepening cultural ties between India and Italy.

Expressing gratitude to the Indian diaspora in Italy, PM Modi said he was deeply touched by the warm reception accorded to him in Rome. “Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world,” he said in a post on X.

The community reception featured performances of Indian classical dance forms including Kathak, Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam by Italian artistes. Indian classical music also formed a major highlight of the event, with five Italian musicians performing the Hamsadhwani raag using traditional Indian instruments.

PM Modi complimented the performers – Valerio Bruni on Santoor, Leo Vertunni on Sitar, Simone Mattiello and Nicolo Mellochi on Bansuri, and Francesco Gherardi on Tabla – noting the growing popularity of Indian music in Italy.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the enthusiastic reception by the Indian community reflected their strong emotional connection with India. He said the performances showcased the richness of India’s artistic and musical heritage and demonstrated the growing cultural engagement between the two countries.

PM Modi also held an informal interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shortly after his arrival in Rome. Sharing details of the meeting on X, PM Modi said the two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues over dinner and during a visit to the iconic Colosseum ahead of formal bilateral talks.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Rome, PM Modi said his visit would focus on strengthening India-Italy cooperation, particularly in areas linked to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. He also announced plans to visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to reaffirm India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security.

Welcoming PM Modi to Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a post on X, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as an important step in advancing the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, noting that the two countries share a longstanding and multifaceted relationship that is expected to gain fresh momentum through the visit.