India, Italy Elevate Bilateral Ties; PM Modi's 'Melody' Gift To Meloni Goes Viral

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni elevated India-Italy ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” during talks in Rome, signalling deeper cooperation across defence, trade, technology and manufacturing. Modi said the discussions reflected growing strategic alignment between New Delhi and Rome and highlighted progress towards the bilateral trade target of 20 billion euros. Meanwhile, a lighter moment also drew attention as PM Modi gifted Meloni a pack of Parle Melody toffees during the visit. Meloni later shared a video thanking him for the gift on X, sparking fresh online reactions around the viral “Melodi” meme associated with the two leaders.