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In a heartwarming display of international camaraderie, the leaders of Italy and India, Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni and Narendra Modi, recently shared a delightful moment captured on video during the G7 Summit in Italy's Apulia region. The clip, which quickly went viral, showcased the two statesmen engaging in a lighthearted exchange, underscoring the growing rapport between their nations.
Meloni's Warm Greeting to the "Melodi Team"
The video begins with Meloni greeting the viewers with a cheerful "Hello from the Melodi team," a playful reference to the collaboration between the two leaders. The casual and friendly tone set the stage for a display of camaraderie that has become a hallmark of the Italy-India relationship in recent years.
A Budding Friendship on the Global Stage
This is not the first time the Italian and Indian prime ministers have been captured in a warm embrace on the international stage. Last year, during the COP28 summit in Dubai, Meloni shared a selfie with Modi, captioning it "Good friends at COP28" with the hashtag "#Melodi." The image went viral, amassing an astounding 47 million views and further solidifying the growing bond between the two leaders.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties at the G7 Summit
The video's release coincides with Prime Minister Modi's participation in the 50th G7 Summit, where he was warmly welcomed by his Italian counterpart. The two leaders exchanged greetings with the traditional namaste, setting the tone for a productive and collaborative meeting.
Modi's Emphasis on Democratizing Technology
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need to democratize technology and ensure its benefits are accessible to all segments of society. This aligns with India's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and leverage technology for inclusive development, a key focus area of the country's foreign policy under Modi's leadership.
Amplifying the Voices of the Global South
Furthermore, Modi highlighted India's commitment to amplifying the voices of the Global South, particularly Africa, on international platforms. He referenced India's efforts during its G20 presidency to elevate the African Union to a permanent member, underscoring the country's dedication to strengthening ties with the African continent.
Bilateral Discussions and Global Cooperation
In addition to his engaging interaction with Meloni, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral discussions with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including French President Macron, British Prime Minister Sunak, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. These talks aimed to foster closer cooperation and strengthen international relations, further cementing India's position as a key player on the global stage.
Addressing Bilateral Concerns with Canada
Notably, Modi also met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, addressing bilateral concerns surrounding the case involving the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This interaction underscored India's commitment to addressing sensitive issues and finding common ground with its international partners.
Embracing Technology and Promoting Inclusivity
The interactions at the G7 Summit underscored India's commitment to global cooperation, technology equality, and inclusivity on the world stage. Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on democratizing technology and amplifying the voices of the Global South aligns with India's broader vision of a more equitable and interconnected global order.
Strengthening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership
The camaraderie displayed between Prime Ministers Meloni and Modi during the G7 Summit reflects the growing strength of the India-Italy strategic partnership. As the two nations continue to deepen their cooperation in areas like commerce, energy, defense, and telecommunications, the personal rapport between their leaders serves as a strong foundation for further enhancing bilateral ties.
Fostering Multilateral Cooperation
The viral video of Meloni and Modi's lighthearted exchange not only showcases the personal rapport between the two leaders but also highlights India's proactive engagement in multilateral forums like the G7. By actively participating in such global platforms, India is asserting its leadership role and shaping the international discourse on key issues.
Cementing India's Global Influence
Prime Minister Modi's participation in the G7 Summit, his bilateral engagements, and the shared moment with Meloni all contribute to cementing India's growing influence on the global stage. As the country continues to emerge as a key player in international affairs, the strong personal relationships forged by its leadership play a crucial role in advancing its strategic interests and promoting a more inclusive world order.
Conclusion
The viral video of Prime Ministers Meloni and Modi's camaraderie during the G7 Summit serves as a testament to the deepening bond between Italy and India. This personal rapport, coupled with the two nations' commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, holds immense potential for fostering greater cooperation and advancing shared global priorities. As India continues to assert its leadership on the international stage, the Italy-India alliance stands as a shining example of the power of personal diplomacy in driving meaningful progress on the world stage.