India’s cultural and tourist attractions are being showcased in Rome using the popular ‘Hop On Hop Off’ buses, as announced by the Embassy of India in Rome. The campaign was initiated by Deputy Chief of Mission Gaurav Gandhi. These red tourist buses, known as ‘Hop On Hop Off’ (HOHO) buses, provide a comprehensive tour of Rome with multilingual commentaries, allowing tourists to board and alight as many times as they wish.
The initiative was launched by the Indian Embassy in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Italy from May 19 to May 21. During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold discussions with Prime Minister Meloni. The trip is part of the Joint Strategic Plan of Action 2025-29, emphasizing the strengthening partnership between India and Italy.
Italy perceives India not only as a market but also as a significant power and a crucial partner for Europe. The establishment of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) by Italy, along with other developments, highlights the deepening ties between the two nations. Italy stands as India’s fourth largest trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade amounting to $16.77 billion in 2025 and a target of €20 billion by 2029. Tata Motors’ acquisition of the Iveco Group and other investments signify the growing economic collaboration between India and Italy.
