'When two civilisations meet...': PM Modi draws parallels between 'Eternal City' Rome and India's Kashi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, held delegation level talks with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Rome in the final leg of his 5-nation tour. In the following joint press meet with Meloni, PM Modi discussed several aspects of India-Italy bilateral relations and drew parallels between Rome and Kashi, underscoring the civilisational similarities.

The PM said that similar to 'Eternal City' Rome, Kashi - which is Modi's constituency - is also known as a 'timeless' place.

"I thank PM 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 known similarly. When two civilisations meet, then discussions are not limited to an agenda, but the depth of history, a glimpse of the future and the simplicity of friendship can be seen in it," PM Modi said.

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also highlighted the cultural crossover by sharing a painting of Kashi made by Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti, who presented his art before PM Modi.

"Heartening to see Italian artist Mr. Giampaolo Tomassetti bring a glimpse of Kashi to Rome through his brushstrokes. His four-decade-long association with India, from illustrating Vedic traditions to creating powerful depictions of the Mahabharat, beautifully reflects how Bharat’s civilisational ethos continues to resonate far beyond its shores," Scindia posted.