New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a light-hearted moment in Italy that quickly turned into a social media sensation, with a playful exchange involving India’s iconic Melody toffees reigniting the internet-famous “#Melodi” trend.
During Modi’s ongoing visit to Italy, a video posted online showed the Indian Prime Minister gifting Meloni a packet of Melody candies, seemingly referencing the widely popular online nickname “Melodi” — a blend of Modi and Meloni’s surnames. The Italian leader later shared the clip on X, thanking Modi for the gift.
In the video, Modi, dressed in a blue bandhgala suit, is seen handing over the sweets to Meloni, who appears amused by the gesture.
Laughing during the interaction, Meloni can be heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift… very, very good toffee,” before both leaders share a cheerful moment.
The video drew significant attention online within a short span, attracting lakhs of views and thousands of reactions and comments.
Social media users rapidly flooded platforms with memes, screenshots and humorous posts, describing the exchange as another memorable “#Melodi” moment.
Sharing details of his Italy visit on X, Modi said he had an opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni for dinner soon after arriving in Rome, followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum.
“We exchanged views on a wide range of topics,” the Prime Minister wrote, adding that he looked forward to further discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and “continue the conversation on how to strengthen the friendship between India and Italy.”
In another post, Modi highlighted the growing strategic significance of bilateral relations, saying he had co-authored an opinion piece with Meloni on the evolving partnership between the two countries.
Describing the relationship as a “Special Strategic Partnership,” he said India-Italy ties have reached a “decisive stage,” driven by innovation, shared democratic values and a common vision for the future.
The “#Melodi” phrase has evolved into a recurring internet trend over the last few years, often resurfacing whenever the two leaders meet at international events. The term gained major popularity during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023 after Meloni posted a selfie with Modi and used the hashtag “#Melodi”, sparking widespread reactions online.
Since then, interactions between the two leaders at multilateral forums, bilateral meetings and global summits have repeatedly triggered online conversations, with users often creating memes and edited videos celebrating their diplomatic camaraderie.
The latest viral moment also struck a nostalgic chord among many Indians due to the cultural popularity of Melody candies. Produced by Parle Products, the caramel-and-chocolate confection has been a familiar name across generations and remains closely associated with one of Indian advertising’s most memorable taglines.
Modi’s interaction with Meloni came during his visit to Italy as part of the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic outreach. During the visit, the Prime Minister held discussions with the Italian leadership and engaged with members of the Indian diaspora in Rome.
Beyond the viral online buzz, the India-Italy engagement is expected to focus on expanding cooperation across sectors such as trade, defence, maritime security, connectivity and strategic partnerships.
