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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gifted Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni a packet of ‘Melody’ chocolates during his visit to Rome, the final leg of his five-nation tour.The act prompted the Italian leader to post a light-hearted video thanking him for the gift. Sharing the video on X, Meloni wrote, “Thank you for the gift.”In the viral video, the Italian Prime Minister said, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee — Melody.”The term ‘Melodi’ had earlier gained popularity during previous meetings between the two leaders and is a blend of the surnames Modi and Meloni.The latest viral moment came during PM Modi’s visit to Italy, where he was welcomed by Meloni in Rome for the final leg of his five-nation tour.Also Read | PM Modi, Meloni in Rome: Car ride, dinner and Colosseum visit ahead of talksEarlier, Meloni had also shared a photograph with PM Modi on X and wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” as she greeted him upon arrival in the Italian capital.After arriving in the Italian capital on Tuesday, PM Modi met Meloni before the two leaders took a late-evening walk through the iconic Colosseum following a dinner meeting.Sharing pictures from the evening, PM Modi wrote on X, “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. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship,” he added.According to the videos and images circulating online showed the two leaders sharing what many users described as ‘car diplomacy,’ as they travelled together through the streets of Rome before visiting Colosseum.In one widely shared image, PM Modi and Meloni were seen leaning against a railing overlooking Rome’s skyline during sunset.
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PM Modi was dressed in a dark navy blue bandhgala suit paired with white churidar trousers, while Meloni wore a light pink embroidered top with white trousers.During his Rome visit, PM Modi also viewed artworks by Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, whose paintings are inspired by Varanasi and Indian spiritual traditions.Earlier, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Rome, where members of the community gathered outside his hotel with Indian flags, cultural performances and chants greeting the Prime Minister.“I am very grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome last evening,” PM Modi said in another post on X.“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 added.Click here for live updates on PM Modi’s visit PM Modi’s Italy visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which focuses on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology, clean energy and connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).Italy marks the final stop of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour, which also included visits to Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
Should leaders regularly engage in cultural activities during international visits?
