‘Melodi’ Returns: PM Modi, Italian PM Meloni share warm moment ahead of G20 Summit in Johannesburg; netizens react

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni briefly caught up on Saturday just before the opening session of the G20 Leaders' Summit at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa, IANS reported.

The two leaders greeted each other with a warm handshake, once again showcasing the easy rapport and growing closeness that has shaped India–Italy ties in recent years. PM Modi is among several global leaders attending the November 22–23 summit.

A friendship built over several meetings

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This wasn’t their first warm interaction this year. PM Modi and Meloni last met at the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis in June, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India–Italy partnership.

In September, PM Modi went a step further, calling Meloni an “extraordinary political leader who combines ideas and heart.” He even compared her autobiography to a “Mann Ki Baat”, praising the honesty and clarity in her writing.

A book preface that spoke from heart

PM Modi wrote the preface for the Indian edition of Meloni’s book I Am Giorgia, describing the bond between India and Italy as rooted in “shared civilizing instincts, such as the defence of heritage, the strength of community, and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force.”

Meloni was deeply moved by his words. “The words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for whom I have profound respect… deeply touch and honour me,” she said, as quoted by Italian agency Adnkronos. She added that the sentiments “testify to the strong bond between our nations.”

Their friendship also reflects in small but meaningful gestures. On PM Modi’s 75th birthday, Meloni posted warm wishes along with a photo of them together, calling his leadership “a source of inspiration.” PM Modi replied thanking her for the “warm wishes” and for Italy’s friendship.

Just days earlier, both leaders had spoken on the phone, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the India–Italy Strategic Partnership and working together on the AI Impact Summit that India will host in 2026. PM Modi also appreciated Italy’s support for the India–EU trade agreement and the IMEEEC corridor.

They also discussed ongoing global conflicts, agreeing on the importance of an early and peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine.

How netizens reacted:

And as soon as photos from their Johannesburg meeting surfaced, netizens erupted with excitement. “The wait is over… finally we have a Melodi moment,” one user wrote. Another joked, “Meloni and Modi meet so often, they probably just said, ‘Hello again, see you next month at the UN.’” A third user called it “the best highlight of the G20.”