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In a closely watched diplomatic engagement that underscored the growing partnership between India and Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian
counterpart Giorgia Meloni met in Rome on Wednesday. The interaction carried a visibly cordial tone, with both leaders exchanging playful interactions and reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation across key areas such as trade, defence, clean energy, and technology, while also reaffirming their shared interest in global stability and economic resilience.
From Dinner To Colosseum Visit
Soon after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Italy's Rome on Tuesday night, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him and hosted a dinner part for her Indian counterpart. Both leaders then visited the iconic Colosseum."Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum," PM Modi wrote in a post on X, while sharing pictures of his visit to the iconic place. The pictures of both PM Modi and Meloni, internet's favourite duo, blasted the internet and attracted massive attention from social media users.
The 'Melody' Moment
Earlier in the morning, the PM Modi-Meloni meet added fresh momentum to the viral “Melodi” hashtag -- a social media nickname used to describe the perceived camaraderie between the two world leaders, symbolising their visible rapport during international summits.The friendly ties between Prime Minister Modi and Meloni saw a sweet moment when Modi gifted a packet of Parle’s "Melody" toffees to Meloni during his visit to Italy on Wednesday as a goodwill and playful gesture. The interaction quickly went viral online, sparking a wave of reactions across X and Instagram.
Sharing the video of the special moment on Instagram, Meloni wrote, “Thank you for the gift". The video featured both Modi and Meloni holding a packet of the popular Melody toffees.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged ceremonial gifts, reflecting customary diplomatic goodwill. The optics of the interaction -- smiles, informal warmth, and relaxed body language -- once again fed into the narrative of personal chemistry complementing formal diplomacy.
PM Modi, Meloni Seal ‘Special Strategic Partnership’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced India-Italy relationship to Special Strategic Partnership and stated that both the countries are upgrading their relationship for a practical and futuristic structure to our partnership.ALSO READ: India-Italy Ties Enter New Era As PM Modi, Meloni Seal ‘Special Strategic Partnership’
Speaking during the joint press statement with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, PM Modi said, "I am happy to announce that we are upgrading India-Italy relationship to Special Strategic Partnership."
The deal is set to enhance the cooperation between India and Italy in trade, technology, defence, clean energy and innovation.
PM Modi Receives FAO's Highest Honour Agricola Medal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, during a ceremony held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome on Wednesday.The medal was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the historic FAO Plenary Hall in recognition of PM Modi’s contribution to food security, agricultural development and farmer welfare, according to the organisation.
