Modi's Gift Sparks Nationwide Craze for Melody Candies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thoughtful gift of Melody candies to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his Rome visit has ignited a shopping frenzy across India. Consumers flocked to online platforms, leading to a rapid sell-out of the candies. This unexpected diplomatic moment has not only captured the public's attention but also transformed into a viral sensation on social media, with the hashtag 'Melody' trending. As both leaders strengthen bilateral ties, discussions on trade and technology are set to follow. Discover how a simple gesture turned into a cultural phenomenon.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 16:36 IST

A Sweet Gesture Leads to a Shopping Frenzy

During his visit to Rome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a packet of Parle Melody candies to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This gesture triggered an immediate rush among Indian consumers to purchase the same candies online, resulting in a swift sell-out across various stores. Currently, platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart are reporting that Melody candies are out of stock in many regions of the country. This diplomatic moment achieved what decades of advertising could not: a surge of interest in a candy priced at less than one rupee.

Social Media Buzz and E-commerce Trends

On social media platforms like Instagram and X, Blinkit noted a significant spike in searches for Melody candies, fueled by memes linking Modi and Meloni. The hashtag 'Melody' has gone viral, reflecting the friendly rapport between the two leaders. While packets of Melody candies priced at 100 rupees have sold out, 50-rupee packets remain available amidst the online chatter, transforming this diplomatic exchange into a pop culture phenomenon.

Meloni's Appreciation for Modi's Gift

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her gratitude towards Modi for the gift of Melody candies. This light-hearted moment has reignited discussions around the 'Melody' term associated with both leaders. In a video shared on social media, Meloni can be heard saying, 'Prime Minister Modi brought me a very nice candy—Melody.' She thanked him in her post, which also featured Modi laughing at the mention of the candies. The 'Melody' hashtag was first coined by Meloni during the COP-28 conference in Dubai in 2023.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Following their warm interactions on global platforms, the 'Melody' moment gained traction online. Meloni had previously shared a photo with Modi on social media, captioning it with the 'Melody' hashtag, stating, 'Good friends at COP-28.' Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday as part of his five-nation tour, which includes the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, at the invitation of Meloni. The two leaders are set to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, clean energy, and technology.