PM Modi gifts Melody to Meloni: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “sweet” gift for Giorgia Meloni – a packet of Parle “Melody” toffees – erupted on the Internet and set off a #Melodi memefest as the two leaders were seen laughing in a video shared by the Italian Prime Minister.
Meloni on Wednesday shared the video clip with Modi on her X account, captioning, “Thank you for the gift.”
PM Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday on the concluding leg of his five-nation tour from May 15-20. He was earlier in the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
“Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner, followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects,” Modi said in a social media post.
The prime minister said he was looking forward to formal talks with Meloni on Wednesday to continue discussions on ways to “boost the India-Italy friendship”.
The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built.
Modi, who arrived here from Norway, also thanked the Indian community in Italy for welcoming him.
“Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world,” he said.
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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, on arrival in Rome, said in a social media post that PM Modi received an energetic and warm welcome from the vibrant Indian community in Italy.
The prime minister, he said, witnessed colourful performances including Kathak, Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam by Italian artists.
“The reception also included a soulful rendering of Indian classical music by Italian musicians. The enchanting display of Santoor, Tabla, Bansuri and Sitar showcased the richness of India’s musical legacy,” the spokesperson said.
In another post, Modi shared details of his interaction with Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, who presented him with his work on Varanasi.
He said Tomassetti’s “passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades”.
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“In the 1980s, he started as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture. From 2008 to 2013, he worked on 23 large paintings relating to the Mahabharat,” Modi said.
The prime minister also noted that Indian music is getting “very popular” in Italy.
“During the community welcome in Rome last evening, five Italian artistes performed the Hamsadhwani. Compliments to Mr Valerio Bruni (Santoor), Mr Leo Vertunni (Sitar), Mr Simone Mattiello (Bansuri), Mr Francesco Gherardi (Tabla) and Mr Nicolo Mellochi (Bansuri),” Modi said in another post.
The #Melodi Moment
How closely did you follow Modi's Italy visit?
5 QUESTIONS · UNDER 2 MINUTES
QUESTION 1 OF 5
What did PM Modi gift Italian PM Giorgia Meloni that set off a viral #Melodi memefest online?
Did you know? Modi’s “sweet” gift — a packet of “Melody” toffees — went viral and revived the #Melodi meme that first emerged when the two leaders were seen together at earlier summits. Meloni shared the video on X with the caption: “Thank you for the gift.”
QUESTION 2 OF 5
On which iconic Roman monument did PM Meloni accompany PM Modi for a tour ahead of bilateral talks?
Did you know? Meloni hosted Modi for dinner and accompanied him on a tour of the Colosseum — the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built — ahead of formal bilateral talks aimed at strengthening India-Italy ties.
QUESTION 3 OF 5
Italy was the concluding leg of PM Modi’s tour. How many nations did he visit on this trip from May 15–20?
Did you know? Modi was on a five-nation tour from May 15–20, with stops in the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and finally Italy — arriving in Rome on Tuesday for the concluding leg.
QUESTION 4 OF 5
Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, who met PM Modi in Rome, has worked on 23 large paintings related to which Indian epic?
Did you know? Tomassetti started as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture in the 1980s, and from 2008 to 2013 he worked on 23 large paintings relating to the Mahabharat. He presented Modi with his work on Varanasi.
QUESTION 5 OF 5
At the community welcome in Rome, five Italian artists performed which Indian classical raga?
Did you know? Five Italian artistes performed Hamsadhwani on Santoor, Sitar, Bansuri, and Tabla. Modi praised Valerio Bruni, Leo Vertunni, Simone Mattiello, Francesco Gherardi, and Nicolo Mellochi for showcasing the richness of India’s musical legacy.
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