Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed appreciation for the growing global interest in Indian classical dance forms after a group of Italian women performed traditional Indian styles during his visit to Rome. The performance included Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak, showcasing how Indian cultural traditions continue to gain recognition far beyond national borders.
During his visit, five Italian women, including Svamini Atmananda Giri, Martina Meenakshi Argada, Lucrezia Maniscotti, Valeria Vespaziani, and Rosella Fanelli, performed a special presentation titled “Trigalbandi.” The act combined multiple Indian classical styles and was reportedly arranged as a cultural welcome for the Indian Prime Minister in Rome.
PM Modi later shared the performance on social media platform X, noting that it was encouraging to see Indian dance traditions attracting strong international interest. He emphasized that such cultural exchanges reflect the deepening global appreciation for India’s artistic heritage.
One of the performers, Martina Argada, later told reporters that the Prime Minister personally praised their performance and described it as excellent. She also expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy in Rome for facilitating the opportunity to perform in front of him. Another performer, Kathak artist Rosella Fanelli, shared that the experience was highly emotional and memorable, adding that the group hopes to perform in India in the future.
Alongside the cultural interaction, Modi also visited the historic Colosseum in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The ancient amphitheater, completed in 80 AD during the Flavian dynasty, remains one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the world, once capable of hosting around 80,000 spectators for public events and gladiator contests.
Meloni warmly welcomed Modi during his arrival for the final leg of his five nation diplomatic tour, even posting a message on social media calling him a friend. The two leaders also shared a dinner meeting where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between India and Italy.
Modi noted that their discussions covered multiple areas of cooperation and expressed optimism about advancing the India Italy strategic partnership. He is also scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with Meloni and meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella, with expectations of a joint declaration aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
