Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday, showcasing both diplomatic warmth and strategic intent. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on boosting cooperation in trade, defence, innovation, artificial intelligence, space, and education.
A major outcome of the meeting was the launch of a Joint Initiative to curb terror financing — a strong reaffirmation of India and Italy’s united stand against terrorism. Modi noted on social media that the India–Italy Strategic Partnership continues to “grow from strength to strength,” bringing tangible benefits to both nations.
Meloni expressed solidarity with India over the recent terror-related incident in Delhi and reiterated Italy’s commitment to collaborate closely against extremist financing. The initiative paves the way for deeper synergy in global forums such as the Financial Action Task Force and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. She also reiterated Italy’s support for the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement and backed India’s AI Impact Summit planned for 2026.
#WATCH | Johannesburg, South Africa | Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the G-20 Summit
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/a4DvBgOLmD
— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2025
Beyond diplomacy, the Modi–Meloni camaraderie — now famously dubbed “Melodi” — once again stole the spotlight online. Cameras captured moments of laughter and friendly banter between the leaders, evoking memories of their earlier viral selfies — from G7 Canada to COP28 Dubai.
In a previous exchange that turned into an internet sensation, Meloni was heard telling Modi, “You are the best, I am trying to be like you.”
PM @narendramodi met Italian PM @GiorgiaMeloni on the sidelines of the #G7Summit.
In a warm exchange, PM Meloni greeted him with a handshake and said — “You are the best, I am trying to be as you.”#IndiaItalyPartnership pic.twitter.com/cb26N2QsAD
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) June 18, 2025
From handshake moments to strategic agreements, the Modi–Meloni partnership continues to blend personal rapport with geopolitical purpose — signalling a vibrant and steadily evolving India–Italy relationship in the global arena.
