PM Modi Gifts Melody Toffee To Giorgia Meloni, Revives Viral “Melodi” Meme In Rome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted cultural moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome, where he presented her with a packet of Parle’s “Melody” toffees, a gesture that quickly went viral online due to its playful reference to the popular “Melodi” internet meme associated with the two leaders.

The exchange took place during Modi’s official visit to Italy, where he met Meloni for a private dinner followed by a visit to the historic Colosseum. The informal moment between the two leaders was captured on video and later shared on social media, showing them laughing as they discussed the sweet gift. Meloni responded warmly, thanking Modi for the gesture and referring to the toffee as a “very, very good” treat.

The moment gained significant attention online, as the “Melodi” hashtag has become a widely used internet trend symbolising the friendly rapport between the two leaders. The light-hearted interaction added a softer cultural dimension to an otherwise formal diplomatic visit focused on strengthening India–Italy relations across trade, defence, and strategic cooperation.

Also Read: PM Modi Strengthens India-Italy Ties At Dinner With Giorgia Meloni

During the visit, Modi also highlighted cultural exchanges between the two countries, including a presentation by Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti, who gifted him a painting of Varanasi. The Prime Minister praised the artist’s long-standing engagement with Indian culture and his decades-long work inspired by Vedic traditions and Indian epics, reflecting growing cultural connectivity between India and Italy.

The visit comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to advance the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, and science and technology. Bilateral trade between India and Italy has continued to expand, further strengthening economic ties alongside growing cultural exchanges. Officials said the Rome engagements reflect a broader push to enhance strategic partnership while also highlighting the importance of personal diplomacy and cultural goodwill in strengthening international relations.

Also Read: PM Modi Strengthens India-Italy Ties At Dinner With Giorgia Meloni