Watch: PM Modi Opens Up About The Famous 'Melodi' Memes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the viral memes involving himself and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his debut on the podcast series "People by WTF," hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. In a candid conversation, the Prime Minister discussed various topics, including his food preferences and reflections on his early days in public life.

Watch: PM Modi Opens Up About The Famous 'Melodi' Memes

Kamath brought up the subject of the "Meloni memes," which have been circulating on social media over the past two years. “PM Sir, as we’re talking about other countries, I must mention that my favourite food is pizza, which comes from Italy. People often say that you know a lot about Italy. Have you seen those memes?” he asked.

Responding with his usual calm, PM Modi said, "Wo toh chalta rehta hai (that’s an ongoing thing)." He further emphasised that he does not pay much attention to memes or online discussions, highlighting his focus on more important matters.

Modi and Meloni gained widespread attention on the internet in December 2023 after their iconic #Melodi selfie went viral, capturing the spotlight across social media. In an Instagram video posted by Meloni from the G7 summit in June 2023, the two world leaders can be seen all smiles as she excitedly says, "Hello from the Melodi team," much to the amusement of their supporters. Italy's hosting of the G7 Summit in Apulia signifies a moment for international diplomacy, occurring shortly after the Lok Sabha elections in India. 

Expressing Gratitude and Celebrating Bilateral Ties

Giorgia Melodi invited Prime Minister Modi to participate in this year's G7 meeting in Italy. When he arrived at the summit, Meloni welcomed him with a Namaste gesture before they shared pleasantries. In a video that has gone viral within minutes of appearing on Meloni's Instagram, the two world leaders can be seen recreating the viral #Melodi selfie.

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A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni)

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, "The two sides discussed bilateral defence and security cooperation and hoped for further enhancing the defence industrial collaboration. They welcomed the forthcoming visit of the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and training ship ITS Vespucci to India later this year."

Selfies and Diplomacy At COP28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a touch of camaraderie to the serious discussions at the COP28 Summit when he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines. This diplomatic meeting, marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations, reflects the joint commitment of India and Italy towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

This informal interaction not only reflects the amicable relations between the leaders but also humanises their diplomatic roles, showcasing a rapport established during Meloni's visit to India for the G20 Summit earlier this year.

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A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni)

Adding a modern twist to diplomatic proceedings, Giorgia Meloni captured a momentous occasion with a selfie alongside PM Modi. The Italian premier, known for her warm diplomatic approach, shared the snapshot on her Instagram account, captioning it "Good friends at COP28 #Melodi." This unique blend of camaraderie and diplomacy epitomises the evolving nature of international relations.

Building Bridges: India-Italy Relations

G20 Summit Revisited

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's premier, had previously visited India in September for the G20 Summit. The discussions during this visit spanned crucial sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, and emerging technologies. Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, affirmed the commitment of both nations to work together for global prosperity.

Raisina Dialogue 2023

Earlier in March, Meloni graced India as the chief guest at the 8th Raisina Dialogue 2023. The bilateral talks held at the Hyderabad House addressed key issues, further solidifying the amicable relationship between the leaders. Meloni acknowledging Modi's global leadership, remarked, "(PM Modi) is the most loved one of all (leaders) around the world."

India's Environmental Stewardship at COP28

'Green Credit Initiative' Launch

During the COP28 Summit, Prime Minister Modi took a significant step towards environmental stewardship by launching the 'Green Credit Initiative.' This initiative, focused on creating carbon sinks through people's participation, aligns with India's commitment to sustainable development. In his address, Modi emphasised the need to move away from a destructive mindset prioritising personal benefit and advocate for a more responsible approach to environmental conservation.

Proposal for COP33 in India

In a bold move, PM Modi proposed India as the host for COP33 in 2028. This proposition aligns with India's vision of taking a leadership role in addressing climate change.