After winning hearts with their candid interactions and outlook at last year’s G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reunited with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Canada this week. Meeting on the sidelines of the 51st edition of the global event in Kananaskis, both leaders reignited their camaraderie. The Internet was again swept over by the trending hashtag #Melodi as their friendly rapport took centre stage.
Meloni took the first step forward and shared the word of their warm exchange in a social media post. “Italy and India, linked by great friendship,” she wrote on X, attaching a heartwarming snap of the two shaking hands and engaging in a deep conversation.
PM Narendra Modi responds to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s post
PM Modi returned the favour by swiftly responding as he shared the same sentiments as the Italian prime minister. “Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni,” he posted on the platform. “India’s friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!”
In addition to the Kodak moment of their interaction in Canada, a video of the two speaking to each other also made waves on social media. This isn’t the first time the Indian and Italian PMs have put their professional chemistry on display. Clips of their prior exchanges and selfies, including the one they took at the COP28 Summit and another at the 2024 G7 Summit in Italy.
‘Melodi’ fever sweeps social media again
While their reunion at this year’s Group of Seven Summit reaffirmed the crucial diplomatic connection between India and Italy, social media users took a different route and continued their gag of sharing playful memes, adding to the #Melodi fever. The internet has often jokingly linked the world leaders in light-hearted video edits overlayed with Bollywood music. As a result, many already had their eyes peeled for a new “Melodi moment in Canada.”
“PM Modi and PM Meloni’s meeting adds new momentum to the India-Italy partnership,” someone wrote on X. Another commented, “This will feed meme makers for at least 6 months.” Some others even demanded a new selfie.
“Their chemistry is working very well in Indo-Italian friendship and bilateral relations,” chimed in another user. Yet another added, “Team #Melodi. Long live India & Italy friendship.” An international Melodi fan also joined in: “As a random American, let me say I like both of you quite a bit.”
Thanks to PM Modi’s acceptance of Canadian PM Mark Carney’s invitation to the summit, this marks his sixth consecutive participation in the G7. It is also his first visit to Canada in a decade.
Randhir Jaiswal, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, disclosed the topics of concern for the Indian leader at the G7 in a social media post.
“At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada, for the G7 Summit. PM will be participating in @G7 discussions on the future of energy security, including diversification, technology, infrastructure and investment, to ensure access and affordability in a changing world. PM will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines,” he wrote on X.