During his visit to the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a fruitful discussion with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Their talks focused on deepening bilateral relations in critical sectors like defence, security, trade, and technology. The leaders also explored avenues for expanding cooperation in areas such as culture and education, highlighting the strengthening bond between India and Italy. “The India-Italy partnership has the potential to make a significant contribution to a better world,” PM Modi stated after the meeting.
What was expected to be a diplomatic encounter quickly turned into a viral moment when a picture of the two leaders engaged in an intense exchange went viral. Netizens couldn’t help but react to the moment captured by the cameras, with many focusing on the intense eye contact between the two.
Glad to have met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the Rio de Janeiro G20 Summit. Our talks centred around deepening ties in defence, security, trade and technology. We also talked about how to boost cooperation in culture, education and other such areas.… pic.twitter.com/BOUbBMeEov
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2024
One user humorously posted, “Who blinks first?” while another remarked, “She (Meloni) is literally blushing.” The picture quickly became the subject of memes, with some social media users even suggesting that the duo’s “love” was shining through their eyes.
This isn’t the first time that images of the two leaders have ignited internet chatter. On multiple occasions, their photos have gone viral, sparking a storm on social media. Their interactions at the summit have become a major talking point, and this new viral moment only adds to their growing online popularity. One user even quipped, “Most awaited picture of G20 Brazil. 1.4 billion people were waiting for the picture,” adding the hashtag #Melodi in reference to their combined names.
PM Modi’s visit to Brazil for the G20 Summit is part of his continued efforts to strengthen India’s global diplomatic presence. In addition to meeting PM Meloni, Modi engaged with several world leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, US President Joe Biden, Spain’s President Pedro Sánchez, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and France’s President Emmanuel Macron.
Through these meetings, PM Modi aims to foster international collaboration across various sectors, further advancing India’s role on the world stage.
