The ongoing G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, has become a focal point for discussions on international relations, economic policies, and global security. Amidst these critical dialogues, a lighter moment has captured the attention of social media, highlighting the burgeoning friendship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The bonhomie between the two leaders was evident as they met informally on the sidelines of the summit. Their friendly exchange, complete with a handshake and brief conversation, was captured in a photograph shared by Meloni on her Instagram account, igniting a flurry of reactions and memes among Indian users. Meloni captioned the post, "Italy and India, bound by a great friendship." Modi responded on Twitter, "Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. India's friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefiting our people!"

This interaction is the latest in a series of warm exchanges between Modi and Meloni, which have led to the trending hashtag "#Melodi" on social media. The "Melodi" phenomenon gained traction after Meloni shared a selfie video with Modi during last year's G7 Summit in Italy. Their camaraderie was further displayed at the COP28 Summit in Dubai, where Meloni posted a selfie with Modi captioned "Good friends at COP28 #Melodi". Interactions between the two leaders during the G20 Summit in India in 2023 also went viral, underscoring the public's fascination with their rapport.

Earlier this year, Modi addressed the viral memes during a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, stating that he does not focus on online discussions, as "that's an ongoing thing". Despite his detachment from the online buzz, the continued interest in their relationship highlights the diplomatic significance of their interactions.

This is Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit and his first visit to Canada in a decade. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received Modi upon his arrival and held bilateral talks with him. Modi's presence at the summit underscores India's increasing role in global affairs and its engagement with major world economies.

The interactions between Modi and Meloni also underscore the strengthening bilateral ties between India and Italy. Both leaders have expressed enthusiasm for collaborative efforts in areas such as sustainability, energy, and industry. This partnership is expected to foster growth and development in both nations, with a focus on mutual benefits and strategic cooperation. During a bilateral meeting, Meloni thanked Carney for including key topics at the G7, such as migration and artificial intelligence. She also highlighted the strategic importance of critical materials and expressed readiness to collaborate on related initiatives.

While the G7 Summit addresses pressing global issues, these moments of personal connection between leaders can play a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and goodwill.