At the G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s warm words for her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi weren’t just caught on camera — they set social media buzzing.
Meloni’s Compliment Goes Viral, and So Does the Hashtag
The words were simple. “You’re the best. I’m trying to be as you.” But the timing and tone made it pop. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this with a wide smile while shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 gathering in Apulia, Italy.
Modi responded with a thumbs-up.
Within minutes, #Melodi — a portmanteau social media couldn’t resist — began trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads. Clips of the moment circulated like wildfire. Some called it soft diplomacy. Others called it political fandom. Either way, it stuck.
And that phrase? It was catchy. Global leaders may exchange pleasantries all the time, but rarely does a lighthearted line become an international talking point.
A Relationship That’s Been Building Quietly
This isn’t the first time the two have shared a visible camaraderie. In fact, their rapport dates back to the 2023 G20 Summit hosted by India, where Meloni posted a selfie with Modi captioned, “A great friendship.” That post, too, made headlines.
But something about this moment hit differently. Maybe it’s the current context — rising tensions globally, wars, elections, shifts in alliances. Maybe it’s the visuals. Two democratically elected leaders, exchanging genuine warmth in a high-stakes summit.
Meloni later posted the photo from their G7 interaction, again calling the relationship “a great friendship.” Modi responded almost immediately, echoing the sentiment. “Fully agree with you,” he replied. “India’s friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!”
Their ease with each other is, by now, hard to miss.
What Makes the Modi-Meloni Bond Stand Out?
Several factors explain why their chemistry — personal or political — stands out on the world stage right now.
For one, both leaders are riding waves of domestic popularity. Modi just returned to power with a third term. Meloni, Italy’s first female PM, leads a coalition government with remarkable control. They represent two different continents and political styles, yet manage to find common ground.
More importantly, they both understand the visual power of leadership. Optics matter. And in the digital era, optics are everything.
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Both leaders prioritize high-visibility diplomacy
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Their public interactions are often accompanied by immediate social media posts
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Mutual respect is evident in both body language and tone
All this, without needing long speeches or stiff protocols. Sometimes, just one line does the trick.
G7 Was About Global Tensions — But This Moment Offered Relief
The G7 Summit had serious matters on the table — climate, security, artificial intelligence, Ukraine, and the Israel-Iran tension. But the Modi-Meloni interaction offered a rare dose of lightness.
That doesn’t mean it was frivolous. Far from it. Strategic alliances often hinge on personal bonds. Diplomatic warmth can oil the gears of long-term policy cooperation.
Here’s a quick table comparing India-Italy ties over the last three years:
| Area | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Trade | $14.3 billion USD | $16.1 billion USD | $18.4 billion USD |
| Defense Engagements | Joint Naval Drills | Tech Transfer Talks | Defense MoU Signed |
| Climate Partnerships | COP27 Meeting | Energy Forum | Green Hydrogen MoU |
The numbers tell a story. So do the smiles.
Strategic Interests or Genuine Friendship?
Let’s be real — geopolitics isn’t all hugs and handshakes. Countries act out of interest. Always have. Always will.
But that doesn’t cancel out real connections. And the Modi-Meloni exchange feels more like the latter.
India wants to deepen its European ties, especially with EU powerhouses like Italy, Germany, and France. Italy, on the other hand, is looking at India as a major trade and tech partner amid declining ties with China.
Meloni’s government even pulled Italy out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative last year — a move some saw as inching closer to the India-West axis.
So yes, there are strategic undercurrents. But who says strategy and sincerity can’t coexist?
The Hashtag That Refused to Go Quiet
Back to #Melodi — yes, it’s catchy. Yes, it’s trending. And yes, it’s being meme’d to no end.
But it also reflects something deeper: global audiences are hungry for political positivity. At a time when most international coverage is about war, polarization, and economic crisis, a 5-second clip of mutual admiration stands out like color on a grayscale feed.
One small paragraph, one loud echo.
