PM Modi Meets Italian PM Meloni at G7, Vows Stronger India-Italy Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a brief meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
Their warm interaction, marked by a handshake and brief conversation, once again captured public attention, reinforcing the growing diplomatic rapport between India and Italy.
Modi on Strengthening Bilateral Ties
PM Modi expressed optimism about the expanding India-Italy relationship. He stated that the partnership between the two nations will continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries.
In response to a social media post by PM Meloni that said, “Italy and India, bound by a great friendship,” PM Modi shared the post on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. India’s friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!”
#Melodi Trend and Social Media Buzz
The camaraderie between the two leaders, fondly dubbed #Melodi by social media users, has been a source of light-hearted attention online.
Their previous appearances—such as the selfie video during the 2023 G7 Summit and another selfie at the COP28 Summit in Dubai captioned “Good friends at COP28 #Melodi”—have become viral sensations.
During the 2023 G20 Summit in India, their friendly exchanges were also widely shared, often edited into humorous videos with Bollywood soundtracks.
In a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, PM Modi was asked about these memes and trends, to which he responded, “Wo toh chalta rehta hai,” implying that such trends are ongoing and not his focus.
Modi’s Arrival in Canada for G7 Summit
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Alberta, Canada, to attend the high-level summit. He was welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the summit venue.
This visit marks PM Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in a G7 Summit and his first trip to Canada in ten years. Upon landing in Calgary, Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome, with India’s acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik present to greet him.
Speaking on his arrival, PM Modi said he would meet various leaders and discuss pressing global issues while also emphasising the concerns of the Global South.
“Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” he wrote on X.
India’s Role at G7 and Areas of Focus
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that PM Modi would participate in G7 sessions focused on energy security, technology, diversification, infrastructure, and investment.
“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… PM will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines,” Jaiswal posted on X.
India’s presence at the summit reflects a broader push to contribute to global dialogue, particularly around ensuring access to sustainable and affordable energy resources.
India-Canada Relations See Positive Turn
Following diplomatic tensions in recent months, PM Modi’s meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney marked a step towards restoring bilateral ties.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that both countries have agreed to reappoint High Commissioners in each other’s capitals as part of “calibrated steps” to normalise relations.
A statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s office echoed the sentiment, noting that Carney and Modi reaffirmed the importance of the Canada-India relationship, founded on mutual respect, the rule of law, and shared values such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,” the statement read.
Growing India-Italy Relations
The continued public warmth between PM Modi and PM Meloni, marked by their brief meeting in Canada, showcases the evolution of India-Italy ties.
Their collaboration spans important global issues, including sustainability, energy cooperation, and industrial development. The interaction at the G7 further emphasized the leaders’ mutual commitment to strengthening strategic relations.
PM Modi’s current visit to Canada is part of his three-nation official tour, which began in Cyprus and will conclude in Croatia.
As Modi continues to meet global leaders and participate in critical discussions, the attention on diplomatic gestures like those with PM Meloni highlights how personal rapport can underscore broader geopolitical shifts.
