The G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy featured an unexpected twist following a meeting between Indian Premier Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni that left the internet buzzing. The event led to a viral sensation dubbed ‘Melodi’ – a name made up of the propounded first names of both leaders appearing in memes and posts flooding social media.
Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy began with Giorgia Meloni giving him a warm reception, which did not escape social media. This was not the first time their dealings as friends during the G20 Summit in Delhi and the COP 28 conference in Dubai caught the public’s attention. Their most recent encounter at the G7 has intrigued members of the online community who obsess over ‘Melodi’.
The “Melodi” trend presents a variety of content, ranging from humorous captions to diverse artworks, all depicting the connectedness between them. Moreover, one popular meme depicts Modi & Meloni as musical notes on a staff representing harmony and cooperation. A different meme formulates them as leading characters in a spoof movie poster entitled “Diplomatic Duo,” reflecting their co-operative instinct.
There is said to be more than a passing fad in this viral trend. The growing diplomatic ties between India and Italy highlight the soft power dynamics, leading officials to seize opportunities for better relations.
Explore some hilarious memes made on this powerful duo-
However, outside memes, there were productive results for Modi’s visit to the G7 Summit. The Prime Minister also spoke with world leaders like Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peace diplomacy and his desire to strengthen strategic partnerships with Ukraine and the UK.
‘Melodi’ shows how odd diplomacy can seem, bridging the gap between serious international relations and the playful online culture.