India, April 14 -- Neither the rain nor the thunderstorms on Friday night could dampen the high spirits in the Capital, as dignitaries and diplomats gathered at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli.

The occasion was a grand dinner in honour of Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, and Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, during their visit to India.

The evening opened with a rare cultural treat - a private preview of Magdalene in Ecstasy, a masterpiece by Italian painter Caravaggio - setting an artistic tone for the night. The event also saw the presence of Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar.

Later, guests were treated to a buffet of authentic Italia...