When Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni snapped a selfie at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, on June 15, 2024, they didn’t just capture a moment—they ignited a diplomatic meme that now symbolizes something deeper: a quietly powerful alliance between two nations once seen as distant partners. The photo, shared by Meloni on X with the caption "Hi friends, from #Melodi," and replied to by Modi with "Long live India-Italy friendship! 🇮🇳 🇮🇹," wasn’t just a casual snap. It was the second time in seven months the two leaders had turned a handshake into a viral moment, turning their playful nickname—"Melodi"—into a shorthand for warming bilateral ties.
The Birth of "Melodi"
The term "Melodi" first surfaced during the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in December 2023, when Meloni posted a photo of herself and Modi with the same hashtag. Back then, it was a lighthearted nod. But this time, the context was different. Modi had just begun his third term as Prime Minister of the Republic of India on June 9, 2024. His visit to Italy was his first official trip abroad since being sworn in. Meloni, who’s led the Italian Republic since October 22, 2022, greeted him with a traditional Indian "namaste"—a gesture that instantly went viral in both countries. The warmth wasn’t performative. It was rooted in repeated, substantive engagement.
Beyond the Selfie: Strategic Gains
While the selfie stole headlines, the real story unfolded in the closed-door meeting between the two leaders. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of India, they reviewed the progress of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, established in 2007. Trade between the two nations hit $8.22 billion in 2022-23, a 20.4% jump from the prior year. But both sides want more.
They agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy, artificial intelligence, space technology, telecommunications, and critical minerals—sectors vital to global supply chain resilience. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India confirmed a new MoU on Industrial Property Rights, designed to streamline patent and trademark collaboration. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s about making it easier for Italian startups to enter India’s booming tech market and for Indian firms to protect their innovations in Europe.
Defense and Naval Ties Take Off
One of the most concrete outcomes? The upcoming visit of Italy’s aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and training ship ITS Vespucci to India later this year. That’s not a ceremonial port call—it’s a signal. Italy is signaling its intent to deepen defense industrial collaboration, possibly including joint production of military equipment. For India, which is aggressively modernizing its armed forces, access to European naval technology is a strategic win.
Italy also expressed interest in joining India’s International Solar Alliance, a move that could unlock billions in solar infrastructure investments across Africa and Southeast Asia. For a country with limited energy resources, this isn’t just diplomacy—it’s energy security.
Why This Matters Beyond the Headlines
Let’s be honest: most world leaders don’t post selfies together. And when they do, it’s usually staged. But what makes "Melodi" different is its consistency. The first selfie at COP28 got over 500,000 likes. This one? It crossed a million within hours. Why? Because it felt real. There’s no script here—just two leaders who clearly enjoy working together.
And that matters. In a world where geopolitics is often framed as zero-sum, Modi and Meloni are building something additive: a partnership that cuts across continents, cultures, and political systems. India isn’t choosing between the West and the Global South. Italy isn’t just following EU orthodoxy. They’re finding common ground—and making it visible.
What’s Next?
Next up: a potential visit by Modi to Rome later this year, and a reciprocal trip by Meloni to India in early 2025. The two nations are also exploring a bilateral investment treaty and a joint space mission involving satellite development. Meanwhile, "Melodi" is no longer just a hashtag. It’s a brand. Indian influencers are making TikTok dances to it. Italian newsrooms are running features on "the PMs who selfie." Even the Italian embassy in New Delhi launched a limited-edition "Melodi" coffee mug.
It’s quirky. It’s human. And in an age of algorithm-driven diplomacy, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Melodi" stand for, and how did it start?
"Melodi" is a portmanteau of "Meloni" and "Modi," coined after their first viral selfie at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. The term stuck after Meloni used it again during the G7 summit in June 2024, turning a personal moment into a diplomatic symbol. It’s now widely used across Indian and Italian social media to represent the friendly, informal rapport between the two leaders.
How has bilateral trade between India and Italy grown recently?
Bilateral trade reached $8.22 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year, up 20.4% from the previous year. Key exports from India include pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services, while Italy exports machinery, vehicles, and luxury goods. Both sides are now pushing to double this figure by 2030 through new agreements in AI, space tech, and critical minerals.
Why is the visit of ITS Cavour and ITS Vespucci significant?
The visit of Italy’s aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and training ship ITS Vespucci to India later in 2024 marks a major step in defense cooperation. It’s the first time Italy has planned such a high-profile naval visit to India since the 2007 Strategic Partnership. The move signals intent for joint exercises, technology sharing, and potential co-production of naval systems, aligning with India’s "Make in India" defense goals.
Is "Melodi" just a social media trend, or does it reflect real policy progress?
While the selfie trend is viral, it’s backed by tangible outcomes: a new MoU on industrial property rights, expanded cooperation in AI and space, and plans for joint defense production. The informal chemistry between Modi and Meloni has opened doors for officials to negotiate faster and with less bureaucracy. It’s diplomacy with personality—and it’s working.
How does this relationship fit into India’s broader foreign policy?
India’s "multi-alignment" strategy avoids choosing between major powers. Italy, as a G7 member and EU power, offers India access to advanced technology and European markets without the political baggage of U.S. or Chinese alliances. Strengthening ties with Italy helps India diversify its strategic partnerships beyond traditional allies like the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
What’s the next milestone for India-Italy relations?
The next major milestone is expected to be a bilateral investment treaty, currently under negotiation. Additionally, a joint space mission involving satellite development is in early planning stages, with ISRO and Italy’s ASI (Italian Space Agency) exploring collaboration. A state visit by Meloni to India in early 2025 is also anticipated, which could lead to the signing of a formal strategic roadmap.
