The interaction between the two leaders, PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni often referred to as the "Melodi" pairing on social media, drew attention. Their friendly exchange reaffirmed the close ties between India and Italy. (Image Source: X.com/ANI)
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept himself busy by engaging in a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, where he was formally welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa upon his arrival. One of his most notable meetings was with his Italian counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The interaction between the two leaders, often referred to as the "Melodi" pairing on social media, drew attention. Their friendly exchange reaffirmed the close ties between India and Italy.
It's worth mentioning this was not their first meeting this year; the two leaders had last met in person on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada back in June.
Their professional relationship surpasses conventional political talks. Earlier this year, PM Modi showed respect for PM Meloni by writing a special foreword for the Indian edition of her autobiography, I Am Giorgia.
In that, PM Modi praised her life journey: "Giorgia's autobiography is not an account of her life alone; it sounds so much like her own Mann Ki Baat." He wrote, "Her journey reminds us of abiding ideals and makes her book very special."
Aside from this meeting with the Italian chief, PM Modi was seen engaging with several other international dignitaries. He shared a warm embrace with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and held a "very productive" meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
More importantly, PM Modi utilized the opening session of the G20 Leaders' Meeting to put forward a number of major global initiatives:
Reviewing Development: He called on the G20 nations to review the current global standards for development.
Fighting Drug Terror: He suggested that the G20 should initiate a special effort to handle the dangerous connection between drug trafficking and terrorism.
Global Healthcare Team: He called for establishing a global healthcare response team that could facilitate fast action to immediately address future health crises.
Protecting Traditions: PM Modi suggested the creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20 to support the environment and culture.
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