Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : While the G7 Summit in Italy was packed with serious discussions on global crises, the most talked-about moment had nothing to do with policy papers. Instead, a lighthearted selfie video featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, stole the show, proving once again the power of the viral hashtag: #Melodi.
On the sidelines of the summit in Apulia, Prime Minister Meloni, the host of the event, shared a short video with PM Modi, who was attending as an outreach guest. "Hello from the Melodi team," she cheerfully announced, as a smiling Modi waved to the camera.
The video quickly went viral after Meloni posted it on social media. Modi reposted it, adding his own message: "Long live India-Italy friendship!"
Italia e India, legate da una grande amicizia ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/krc54mpq6G
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 17, 2025
Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. India’s friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!@GiorgiaMeloni https://t.co/LaYIIZn8Ry
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2025
This seemingly simple interaction is a masterclass in modern soft diplomacy. In an era dominated by social media, the warm personal chemistry between the two leaders has resonated far more with the public than complex geopolitical discussions. The #Melodi hashtag, a clever portmanteau of their surnames, has become a symbol of the growing bonhomie between India and Italy.
The trend isn't new; it first exploded online during their meeting at the COP28 summit in Dubai last year. This latest video reaffirms their friendly rapport and has once again captured the internet's imagination. As world leaders grappled with global challenges, this viral moment served as a refreshing reminder that diplomacy isn't always conducted behind closed doors. Sometimes, the most effective connections are forged with a simple smile and a selfie.
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