20 May,2026 03:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, in Rome, Italy. PIC/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni once again set social media abuzz with their warm personal chemistry during the Indian leader's visit to Rome in his final leg of his five-nation tour.
The highlight of the visit came when PM Modi gifted packets of popular ‘Melody' toffees to his Italian counterpart. The light-hearted gesture, captured in a video that quickly went viral, saw both leaders sharing a hearty laugh - reviving the internet-favourite 'Melodi' trend.
On Wednesday, Italian PM Meloni shared the video on X, saying, "Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift… a very, very good toffee - Melody." She captioned the post: "Thank you for the gift."
The ‘Melody' gift moment: PM Modi's sweet surprise became the biggest talking point. Both leaders laughed heartily as Meloni highlighted the playful gesture, triggering a fresh wave of memes and affectionate reactions online.
Warm welcome in Rome: Videos of PM Meloni warmly welcoming PM Modi upon his arrival went viral. Footage showed a visibly delighted Meloni greeting the Indian PM, with many noting the genuine warmth in her reception.
Dinner and Colosseum visit: Shortly after landing in Rome on Tuesday evening, PM Modi met Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum.
In a post on X in both English and Italian, PM Modi shared photographs and expressed his eagerness to strengthen India-Italy friendship.
Car ride moments: Photographs of the two PMs engaged in animated conversation during their car ride also circulated widely, adding to the series of candid and warm interactions.
‘Welcome to Rome, my friend!': Meloni's earlier post with a photograph of the two leaders set a personal tone. Her message "Welcome to Rome, my friend!" resonated strongly across social media.
PM Modi also shared a special cultural moment when Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti presented him with a striking painting of Varanasi. He lauded the artist's decades-long passion for Indian culture and heritage.
The Indian Premier received a warm welcome from the diaspora in Rome. He interacted with community members and witnessed cultural performances at his hotel. He also signed an autograph for a young admirer who greeted him with a portrait.
The personal touches come as PM Modi prepares for formal bilateral talks with PM Meloni later on Wednesday at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, where both leaders are expected to adopt a joint declaration to further deepen the India-Italy strategic partnership.
The visit is taking place against the backdrop of strong momentum in bilateral ties. Both sides are actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. In a joint article, PM Modi and PM Meloni noted that the relationship "has now reached a decisive stage," evolving into a special strategic partnership.
As photographs and videos from the gift exchange, warm welcome, car ride, dinner, and Colosseum visit continue to trend, the ‘Melodi' camaraderie has once again added a relatable, human dimension to India-Italy relations.
(With IANS, ANI, and PTI inputs)
