PM Modi Gifts ‘Melody’ Candy to Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, Friendship Moments Goes Viral

• By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Rome
• May 20, 2026
• 462

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the popular Indian candy Melody to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Italy, creating a buzz on social media after Meloni shared the moment on Instagram.

Posting a video online, Meloni said, “Prime Minister Modi brought me a very nice candy as a gift – Melody. Thank you for the gift.” The light-hearted exchange quickly went viral, drawing reactions from users across platforms.

PM Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday as the final stop of his five-nation foreign tour. He was warmly received by PM Meloni in Rome. The two leaders were seen traveling together through the streets of the Italian capital in the same car and later visited the nearly 2,000-year-old Colosseum.

Earlier, Modi and Meloni held informal discussions over dinner, where they reportedly exchanged views on several important bilateral and global issues. Meloni also posted a selfie with Modi on social media with the caption, “Welcome my friend,” further fueling online discussions about the growing camaraderie between the two leaders.

PM Modi also shared photographs of the meeting on social media, stating that formal discussions scheduled during the visit would focus on strengthening India-Italy relations further.

India-Italy Relations Set for Strategic Upgrade

During the visit, India and Italy are expected to discuss elevating bilateral ties to the level of a “Special Strategic Partnership.” Both countries are also considering the resumption of regular annual meetings between their leaderships.

Political and economic relations between India and Italy have strengthened significantly in recent years. Cooperation has expanded steadily across defense, energy, trade, science, manufacturing, and advanced technology sectors.

According to reports, discussions during the visit may focus on deeper collaboration in:

• Trade and investment
• Defense manufacturing
• Green energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Automobiles and machinery
• Advanced and emerging technologies

Currently, bilateral trade between India and Italy exceeds 14 billion euros, with both countries aiming to increase investments and industrial cooperation.

Modi to Meet Italian Business Leaders

As part of the visit, PM Modi is also expected to meet leading Italian industrialists and business executives. The discussions are likely to center on investment opportunities, manufacturing partnerships, and expanding Italian business presence in India.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on major international developments, including:

• Middle-East tensions
• The Russia-Ukraine war
• Indo-Pacific security
• Energy security
• Global supply chains 

  Modi’s Previous Italy Visit

  PM Modi last visited Italy in June 2024, when he attended the G7 Summit 2024 held in the Apulia region.

  His current diplomatic tour, which began on May 15, also included visits to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway before concluding in Italy.