Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and PM Modi’s video goes viral.
This was their second selfie, following the one Meloni shared on her official X handle during the COP28 Summit in 2023, using the hashtag #Melodi. The hashtag symbolizes the growing camaraderie and strong bilateral relations between the two leaders.
The viral video has captured the attention of many, highlighting the camaraderie between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their interactions reflect the growing rapport between the two leaders, symbolizing strengthened bilateral relations and mutual respect. The hashtag #Melodi has since become a symbol of their friendly engagements on the global stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Strengthening Bilateral Ties at the G7 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, recently posed for a new selfie at the G7 Summit, continuing the viral #Melodi trend that first broke the internet in December last year. This latest snapshot has once again captured the public’s imagination, symbolizing the warm and friendly rapport between the two leaders. Following the photo, Meloni shared a video on her official X handle, in which both leaders can be seen waving at the camera. In the clip, the Italian PM cheerfully said, “Hello from the Melodi team.” Prime Minister Modi responded to her post, declaring, “Long live India-Italy friendship!”
A Symbol of Growing Friendship
The camaraderie between the two prime ministers was evident and well-documented. When Prime Minister Modi was received by Meloni, the warmth of their greeting was unmistakable. Both leaders greeted each other with traditional namaste gestures, a sign of mutual respect and cultural appreciation. Their brief conversation was marked by smiles and pleasantries, highlighting the genuine connection that has developed between them over the past year.
This was Prime Minister Modi’s fifth consecutive participation in the G7 summit, a testament to India’s growing influence and active role in global affairs. India has been a regular attendee of the summit for the past decade, underscoring its importance as a major global player. Italy, as the chair of the G7 this year, played host to the gathering of the world’s seven major economies, which include Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the European Union.
The Viral #Melodi Trend
The #Melodi trend began at the COP28 Summit in 2023, when Prime Minister Meloni shared their first selfie on her official X handle. The hashtag quickly went viral, symbolizing not just a moment of personal connection but also the strengthening of bilateral relations between Italy and India. This spontaneous and informal gesture by the two leaders has resonated with people around the world, highlighting a new era of diplomacy that combines personal rapport with official statecraft.
Discussions and Diplomatic Engagements
During their meeting at the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni discussed various aspects of the India-Italy strategic partnership. They reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and technology. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the growing trade and economic collaboration between the two nations. They also highlighted the need to expand commercial ties in clean energy, manufacturing, space, science and technology, telecom, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals to build resilient supply chains.
A significant outcome of their discussions was the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Industrial Property Rights (IPR), providing a framework for cooperation on patents, designs, and trademarks. This agreement is expected to boost innovation and economic growth by protecting intellectual property and fostering collaboration in research and development.
Regional and Global Issues
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni also discussed important regional and global issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need for a rules-based international order. The leaders also touched upon the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the regions. The IMEC is envisioned as a vast network of roads, railways, and shipping routes, linking Saudi Arabia, India, the United States, and Europe, thereby promoting trade and economic growth.
The discussion extended to other global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development. Both leaders emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues and agreed to work together in multilateral forums to promote common interests and values.
Commitment to People-to-People Ties
Recognizing the strong people-to-people connections between India and Italy, both leaders expressed their desire to further strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. The establishment of the first ICCR chair on India studies at the University of Milan is a significant step in this direction. This initiative aims to promote Indological studies in Italy and deepen the understanding of Indian culture, history, and society.
Additionally, the leaders called for the early implementation of the Migration and Mobility Agreement, which would facilitate the movement of professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, students, and researchers between the two countries. This agreement is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation in education, research, and innovation, benefiting both nations.
G7 Summit Outcomes
The G7 Summit, held in the picturesque southern resort town of Bari, Italy, focused on various global challenges and opportunities for cooperation. One of the key outcomes of the summit was the commitment to promoting concrete infrastructure initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The summit communique, issued after the customary “family photo” at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia, reiterated the G7’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law.
During the Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, Prime Minister Modi addressed the leaders of Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. The communique highlighted the G7’s efforts to enhance interoperability among AI governance approaches, promoting greater certainty, transparency, and accountability while fostering innovation and sustainable growth.
Another significant priority of the summit was the unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The G7 announced the launch of Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine, providing approximately USD 50 billion in additional funding by the end of the year. This initiative aims to support Ukraine’s current and future needs by leveraging the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other relevant jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit and his interactions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other world leaders highlighted India’s active role in global diplomacy. The #Melodi trend, symbolized by their viral selfies, reflects the personal rapport and strengthened bilateral ties between India and Italy. As both nations continue to collaborate on various fronts, their partnership is poised to contribute significantly to regional and global stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.