Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captured attention at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, engaging in a warm exchange before the official proceedings began. This interaction underscored the strengthening India-Italy relationship, a bond recently amplified by their mutual admiration and shared values. The duo’s personal rapport has become a notable feature of international diplomacy, fostering a strong connection between the two nations.
Their previous meeting in June on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada cemented their commitment to deepening bilateral ties. PM Modi has publicly praised Meloni, describing her as a “political leader who combines ideas and heart,” even likening her autobiography to his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address, highlighting a profound personal connection. He further elaborated in a preface to the Indian edition of her book, emphasizing “shared civilising instincts” such as heritage defense, community strength, and the celebration of femininity.
Meloni reciprocated these sentiments, expressing deep respect for PM Modi and acknowledging the strong bond between Italy and India. Their public exchanges, including birthday wishes and appreciation for each other’s leadership, have resonated widely, sparking the popular #Melodi hashtag online. This diplomatic synergy extends to strategic cooperation, with discussions on advancing the India-EU trade agreement and boosting connectivity through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC). Both leaders also shared common ground on global issues, advocating for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine and discussing Italy’s support for India’s AI Impact Summit.