In Italy, PM Modi Draws Kashi-Rome Parallel: 'Eternal Cities'
In Italy, PM Modi Draws Kashi-Rome Parallel: 'Eternal Cities' Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 17:21 IST The remarks came during Modi’s official visit
In Italy, PM Modi Draws Kashi-Rome Parallel: 'Eternal Cities' Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 17:21 IST The remarks came during Modi’s official visit to Italy, where the two leaders held bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas. Rapid Read Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Italy is globally recognised for its excellence in design and precision, while India has emerged as a hub of scale, talent and affordable innovation. (Photo: X/NarendraModi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday drew a cultural parallel between Rome and his Lok Sabha constituency Kashi, describing both as “eternal cities" with deep civilisational roots. Addressing a joint press statement alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Modi said meetings between the two countries go beyond diplomatic agendas and reflect historical depth, future aspirations and enduring friendship. “I thank Prime Minister Meloni for the grand welcome accorded to me and my delegation.
Rome is known as the ‘Eternal City’ in the world. My Lok Sabha constituency in India, Kashi, is also considered ‘Anaadi’ or eternal," Modi said. “When two civilisations meet, discussions are not limited to an agenda. They reflect the depth of history, a glimpse of the future and the simplicity of friendship," he added. The remarks came during Modi’s official visit to Italy, where the two leaders held bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including trade, technology, clean energy, defence and cultural ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Italy is globally recognised for its excellence in design and precision, while India has emerged as a hub of scale, talent and affordable innovation. “Therefore, we will move forward on the principle of ‘Design and Develop in India and Italy, Deliver for the World," Modi said, highlighting the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. Also Read | From ‘#Melodi’ To Melody: PM Modi’s Special Gift To Giorgia Meloni Breaks The InternetThe India-Italy relationship has also been upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership.
“India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 provides a practical and futuristic structure to our partnership. We are moving forward on this in a time-bound manner. Trade between our countries is moving towards the 20 billion euros target. Over 400 Italian companies in India are contributing to India’s growth story," the Prime Minister said. The Eternal City: Kashi & Rome The titles of “The Eternal City" given to Kashi and Rome reflect their unique status as unbroken living links to antiquity, having outlasted centuries of empires, invasions, and systemic destruction. Kashi, widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, derives its eternity from its deep spiritual resilience; despite facing repeated medieval plunder and the demolition of its grandest temples, its sacred ghats were consistently rebuilt, driven by an unshakeable Hindu faith that views the city as the cosmic abode of Lord Shiva. Similarly, Rome earned the Latin epithet Urbs Aeterna through its uncanny ability to reinvent itself after cataclysmic collapses, surviving the fall of the Western Roman Empire and brutal sacks by foreign invaders to transition seamlessly from a terrestrial superpower into the spiritual capital of Western Christianity.
News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Rome, Italy First Published: May 20, 2026, 17:11 IST News india In Italy, PM Modi Draws Kashi-Rome Parallel: 'Eternal Cities' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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