Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni briefly met on Saturday ahead of the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec, Johannesburg.
The two leaders exchanged warm greetings, signalling the continued strengthening of the India-Italy partnership.
PM Modi is among several world leaders attending the 22–23 November summit hosted in South Africa.
PM Modi and Meloni last met at the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis in June, where they reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation.
Their growing camaraderie has captured public attention globally, with the ‘Melodi’ hashtag consistently trending during their interactions.
In September, PM Modi praised Meloni as an ‘extraordinary political leader who combines ideas and heart’, while writing the preface to the Indian edition of her autobiography, I Am Giorgia.
He highlighted the shared civilisational values between India and Italy, including the protection of heritage, the strength of community and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force.
Meloni reciprocated warmly, stating that PM Modi’s words ‘deeply touched and honoured’ her and reflected the enduring bond between the two nations.
The Italian leader has repeatedly emphasised her admiration for India, most recently extending heartfelt wishes to PM Modi on his 75th birthday, which PM Modi publicly acknowledged with appreciation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Italy continue to deepen their Strategic Partnership across sectors such as defence, technology, mobility, trade, clean energy, and people-to-people exchange.
PM Modi and PM Meloni have frequently underscored the importance of blending tradition with modernity—a theme evident in their personal rapport.
The two leaders also held a telephonic conversation in September, during which they stressed the need to strengthen the India–Italy Strategic Partnership and reiterated their support for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.
PM Modi thanked Meloni for Italy’s support in advancing the India–EU trade agreement and enhancing connectivity through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC).
PM Modi and Meloni have consistently exchanged views on regional and global developments.
Both leaders agreed on the urgency of achieving an early and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to global peace and constructive dialogue.
Their brief interaction in Johannesburg reaffirmed the warmth of the India–Italy relationship as the G20 Summit commenced.
The continued synergy between the two leaders is expected to contribute meaningfully to discussions on global cooperation, sustainable development, and international security.
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