‘Melodi’ Diplomacy At G20 Summit: PM Modi, Giorgia Meloni Steal Spotlight As India-Italy Friendship Shines In Johannesburg | India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a brief meeting on Saturday, minutes before the opening session of the G20 Leaders Summit in Nasrec, Johannesburg. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings, reflecting the growing closeness that has significantly strengthened India-Italy relations in recent years.

Prime Minister Modi is among the many global leaders who attended the summit held between November 22-23.

A Growing Bond Between India and Italy

The leaders last met on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June and reaffirmed their determination to deepen bilateral relations. Their personal friendship attracted widespread attention, with Prime Minister Modi in September describing Meloni as “an outstanding political leader who combines ideas and heart” and likening his autobiography to a “Mann Ki Baat” in which thoughts are expressed from the heart.

In his foreword to the Indian edition of Meloni’s book I Am Giorgia, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the shared values ​​that have shaped India-Italy ties and spoke of “shared civilizing instincts such as the defense of heritage, the strength of community and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force.”

Meloni responded warmly to Italian news agency Adnkronos: “The words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom I deeply respect… deeply move and honor me. These are sentiments to which I sincerely reciprocate… and bear witness to the strong bond between our nations.”

Prime Minister Modi also thanked Meloni for his birthday wishes on turning 75 in September, saying of X that he “deeply appreciates Italy’s friendship and looks forward to strengthening it further.”

While extending his greetings, Meloni praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership: “His strength, determination and ability to lead millions of people are an inspiration.”

Strategic Cooperation and Common Global Concerns

On September 10, the two leaders held a telephone conversation and reiterated their commitment to advance the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi thanked Meloni for Italy’s support in advancing the India-EU trade agreement and enhancing connectivity under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC).

Both leaders discussed regional issues and agreed that the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved early and peacefully. Prime Minister Modi assured that India will fully support peace efforts. Meloni reiterated Italy’s support for India’s AI Impact Summit set for 2026.

Their friendly public exchanges sparked online interest and gave rise to the widely trending hashtag #Melody.

Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to South Africa and Early Talks

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday for a warm cultural reception at the airport; It was a gesture that underlined the close and long-standing ties between India and South Africa. This is his fourth official visit to the country, following the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023 and bilateral visits in 2016.

This year’s G20 meeting marks the summit’s fourth consecutive round in the Global South, following Indonesia, India and Brazil; South Africa assumes the 2025 presidency, highlighting the region’s expanding global leadership.

Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Modi began his bilateral talks on Friday by meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and discussing ongoing cooperation and common priorities.

He also interacted with tech entrepreneurs of Indian origin in Johannesburg and later wrote, “I met the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz… This truly strengthens our diaspora’s bond with India.”

In another meeting, Prime Minister Modi met with the Chairman and CEO of Naspers and discussed expanding investments in India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.

The Prime Minister also attended a cultural event featuring the South African Girmitiya song “Ganga Maiya”. Sharing her experience on

(With agency input)