Italy's Meloni To Israel's Netanyahu: PM Modi's ‘Car Diplomacy’ Moments With Global Leaders

Italy's Meloni To Israel's Netanyahu: PM Modi's ‘Car Diplomacy’ Moments With Global Leaders Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 09:55 IST The Prime Minister took to X to share a candid picture with Meloni seated together in a car in Rome. PM Modi shares car ride with Italian PM Georgia Meloni. (X) PM Modi in Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Georgia Meloni, shared a candid car ride and a late-night tour of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, during the former’s final leg of the five-nation tour on Wednesday (local time). The Prime Minister took to X to share a candid picture with Meloni seated together in a car in Rome. The video of the two leaders taking a tour of the historic Colosseum in Italy, was also shared on social media platforms. “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," he said in a post on X. 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… pic.twitter.com/df0bDYKCdU— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2026 Upon his arrival in Italy on Tuesday, PM Modi wrote on X, “This visit will focus on how to boost India-Italy cooperation, especially focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 will also be reviewed." Meloni, who extended a warm welcome to his “friend" PM Modi, posted a selfie with him at the Colosseum and wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend." Welcome to Rome, my friend! 🇮🇹🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mUjFL4HIqY— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 19, 2026 The Prime Minister is expected to hold detailed discussions with Meloni and meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella to explore ways to strengthen India-Italy cooperation. PM Modi’s Car Diplomacy This is not the first time PM Modi has shared a car ride with global leaders. Earlier in February, PM Modi shared a car ride with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to attend a tech exhibition after addressing the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. In January 2026, he shared a car ride with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Mumbai. Earlier, he shared the car ride with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, following the former’s arrival in Malaysia as part of his two-day visit in the Southeast Asian nation, as both leaders headed towards a community event in Kuala Lumpur. In December last year, PM Modi broke with protocol to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport during the latter’s visit, and both shared a car ride to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. He also shared a car ride with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was on a two-day official visit to India in January, following their engagements in Gujarat. PM Modi also received and travelled together in the same car with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from the Delhi airport when the UAE leader arrived in the national capital on an official visit in January. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Rome, Italy First Published: May 20, 2026, 09:55 IST News india Italy's Meloni To Israel's Netanyahu: PM Modi's ‘Car Diplomacy’ Moments With Global Leaders 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...