"We're the most famous couple on Instagram," Meloni jokes with PM Modi
Evian, June 17
In a viral moment captured on hot mic, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni was heard joking with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
"We're the most famous couple on Instagram..." Meloni told PM Modi while greeting him at the summit. The two leaders are known for their visible bonhomie during their official visits.
Earlier, during his visit to Italy, PM Modi had gifted Meloni a packet of 'Melody' toffees- homophonic to 'Melodi', a name the internet has given to the leaders. The moment quickly went viral, with the reel gaining millions of views.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently elevated the ties between the two countries to a Special Strategic Partnership.
Earlier, EuroNews shared a clip where Meloni revealed to her fellow G7 leaders that she had quit smoking a month ago. Earlier on October 14, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's had promised Meloni he would find a way to convince her to stop smoking.
"You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking," Erdogan told Meloni, according to footage published by Italian daily Il Foglio and other media, as cited by Politico.
But French President Emmanuel Macron, who was next to them, was quick to dash Erdogan's hopes. "It's impossible!" he said, laughing, reported Politico Europe.
"I know, I know," Meloni said, adding a warning that quitting smoking might make her less sociable. "I don't want to kill somebody."
Meanwhile, G7 leaders on Tuesday committed to intensifying joint action against global drug trafficking networks, money laundering operations and transnational organised crime, unveiling a series of measures aimed at strengthening maritime security, disrupting criminal finances and preventing the infiltration of public and private institutions by criminal groups.In a declaration adopted at the 52nd G7 Summit in France, the leaders described the rapid expansion of global drug trafficking as a growing threat to national security, economic prosperity and democratic institutions.
"We, the Leaders of the G7, are committed to intensifying our fight against drug trafficking," the declaration stated. The statement was also supported by partner countries Brazil and South Korea.According to the declaration, record levels of drug production, the adaptability of organised crime groups and rising global demand have fuelled the expansion of trafficking networks that operate across borders and exploit international vulnerabilities.
The leaders stressed that international cooperation remains essential to combat these networks and reaffirmed their commitment to an evidence-based, whole-of-government approach that addresses both the supply and demand sides of the drug trade.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some light-hearted news! We see so much tension in politics, it's refreshing to see leaders joking. And the fact that PM Modi gifted her 'Melody' toffees... sheer genius. 🙌
Erdogan trying to make Meloni quit smoking, Macron laughing it off... this is better than a comedy series! But on a serious note, the Special Strategic Partnership with Italy is a big win for India's foreign policy. Good to see our PM building personal rapport.
"We're the most famous couple on Instagram" - that's going to be the quote of the year! 😄 Love how India's soft power is shining on the global stage. The 'Melodi' meme is pure gold.
As someone who follows global politics, this is a smart move from India. Personal diplomacy matters, and Modi has mastered it. But I hope the serious discussions at G7 about drug trafficking and economic cooperation get equal attention in Indian media.
While the jokes are fun, I can't help but wonder why Indian media focuses so much on these viral moments rather than the actual outcomes of the G7 summit. The declaration on transnational crime is significant, but few are discussing it. We need more substance, less style.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.