Modi and Meloni's Lighthearted Exchange Steals the Show at G7 Summit
A Memorable Moment at the G7 Summit
During the G7 summit held in France, significant discussions on global issues took place among various world leaders. However, the spotlight was primarily on the interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Their light-hearted exchange quickly went viral on social media.
As leaders gathered for a traditional group photo, Meloni welcomed Modi with a smile, stating, "It’s great to see you again." Modi then referenced their popularity on social media, to which Meloni humorously replied, "Yes, we are the most famous couple on Instagram." This playful banter spread rapidly across the internet, sparking conversations about the friendly chemistry between the two leaders.
The Origin of 'Melody'
The term "Melody" is a blend of Modi and Meloni's names, first coined during the COP28 summit in Dubai in November 2023. At that event, Meloni shared a selfie with Modi, captioning it, "Good friends at COP28 #Melody." This phrase quickly gained traction on social media, inspiring memes, videos, and creative posts.
Over the past three years, nearly every meeting between these two leaders has become a topic of discussion online. Whether at the G7 summit, international meetings, or bilateral talks, the mention of "Melody" has been a recurring theme. In 2024, Meloni used the term again, sharing a selfie video related to the G7 summit in June 2025, which was well-received by the public.
Recent Encounters and Their Impact
Last month, during Modi's visit to Rome, the "Melody" trend resurfaced when he gifted Meloni a packet of Parle's Melody candies. This gesture was linked to the ongoing trend, prompting reactions from the public. Meloni humorously remarked, "Prime Minister Modi has brought us a gift, very nice candies." The video capturing their laughter and ease went viral, amassing over 100 million views within six hours and receiving more than 13 million likes.
During the Rome visit, the leaders also toured the historic Colosseum. Their previous meetings have consistently drawn public interest, with discussions not only focused on political and diplomatic relations but also on their friendship.
G7 Summit's Broader Context
While the G7 summit aimed to address global challenges such as the Ukraine crisis and the US-Iran agreement, the light-hearted exchange between Modi and Meloni garnered the most attention. Modi also met with other leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump, but the buzz on social media predominantly revolved around "Melody."
It's important to note that the relationship between India and Italy extends beyond social media. Trade between the two nations has been steadily increasing, surpassing $16.77 billion. Additionally, both countries are collaborating on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, with Rome positioned as a crucial gateway between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. This light-hearted dialogue at the G7 summit illustrates that modern diplomacy transcends formal meetings, highlighting the significance of personal rapport and friendship among leaders.