'We Are the Most Famous Couple on Instagram': Meloni Discusses 100-Million-View Reel With PM Modi at G7 Summit; Revives 'Melodi' Trend

A brief interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France has once again set social media abuzz, reviving the popular "Melodi" trend that has followed the two leaders for nearly three years.

The moment unfolded on Tuesday in Evian-les-Bains as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) and invited partner nations gathered for the traditional family photograph. A viral video showed PM Modi and Meloni greeting each other warmly and exchanging a handshake moments before taking their positions alongside other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

While the audio in the clip was not entirely clear, PM Modi appeared to refer to the duo's popularity on social media. Responding with a smile, Meloni said, "Yes, we are the most famous couple on Instagram."

The exchange quickly went viral online, with social media users celebrating the return of "Melodi" — a term coined by combining the names of Meloni and Modi.

The trend first emerged in 2023 following one of their bilateral meetings and soon evolved into a popular internet meme. Their warm and often unscripted interactions at international summits have since generated millions of views across social media platforms.

Meloni herself embraced the trend in 2024 when she posted a selfie with PM Modi on X, captioning it: "Hi friends, from #Melodi."

A year later, during the 2025 G7 Summit, she shared another selfie video with the Indian Prime Minister and wrote: "Hello, from the Melodi team."

The latest interaction comes just weeks after PM Modi gifted Meloni a packet of Parle's Melody toffee during his visit to Rome in May. The gesture was a playful nod to the viral nickname.

Sharing a video of the exchange on social media, Meloni wrote, "Thank you for the gift."

In the clip, the Italian Prime Minister held up the packet and said, "Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift a very, very good toffee."

"Melody," PM Modi replied with a smile, prompting laughter from both leaders.

While the "Melodi" phenomenon continues to entertain social media users, the relationship between the two leaders extends beyond viral moments.

India and Italy have significantly strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, working closely on trade, connectivity and geopolitical initiatives. Both countries are key participants in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an ambitious project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Italy is increasingly viewed as a crucial European partner for India, while bilateral trade between the two nations has crossed $16.77 billion.

During PM Modi's visit to Rome last month, the two leaders also held extensive discussions over dinner and visited the iconic Colosseum, exchanging views on a wide range of bilateral and global issues.

As world leaders gathered in France to discuss major global challenges, including support for Ukraine and the recent US-Iran breakthrough agreement, it was a light-hearted "Melodi" moment that ended up stealing the spotlight online once again.