Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni briefly met on Saturday, moments earlier than the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec, Johannesburg. The 2 leaders exchanged heat greetings, reflecting the rising rapport that has considerably strengthened India-Italy relations lately.
PM Modi is amongst a number of world leaders attending the summit being held from 22 to 23 November.
A Rising Bond Between India And Italy
The leaders final met in June on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, the place they reaffirmed their dedication to deepening bilateral ties. Their private camaraderie has been extensively famous, with PM Modi describing Meloni in September as an “extraordinary political chief who combines concepts and coronary heart” and likening her autobiography to a “Mann Ki Baat”, ideas expressed from the guts.
In his preface to the Indian version of Meloni’s guide I Am Giorgia, PM Modi highlighted the shared values that form India–Italy ties, writing of “shared civilising instincts, such because the defence of heritage, the power of neighborhood, and the celebration of femininity as a guiding drive.”
Meloni responded warmly, telling Italian information company Adnkronos, “The phrases of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for whom I’ve profound respect… deeply contact and honour me. These are sentiments that I sincerely reciprocate… and testify to the robust bond between our nations.”
PM Modi additionally thanked Meloni in September for her birthday needs on turning 75, saying on X that he “deeply appreciates Italy’s friendship and appears ahead to strengthening it additional.”
Meloni, whereas sending her greetings, praised PM Modi’s management, “His power, his dedication, and his capacity to guide hundreds of thousands of individuals are a supply of inspiration.”
Strategic Cooperation And Shared World Issues
On 10 September, the 2 leaders held a phone dialog, reiterating their dedication to advancing the India–Italy Strategic Partnership. PM Modi thanked Meloni for Italy’s assist in progressing the India–EU commerce settlement and boosting connectivity below the India-Center East-Europe Financial Hall (IMEEEC).
Each leaders additionally mentioned regional points, agreeing on the necessity for an early and peaceable settlement of the battle in Ukraine. PM Modi assured India’s full assist for peace efforts. Meloni reiterated Italy’s backing for India’s AI Influence Summit set for 2026.
Their pleasant public exchanges have fuelled on-line curiosity, spawning the extensively trending hashtag #Melodi.
PM Modi’s South Africa Go to And Early Engagements
PM Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to a heat cultural reception on the airport, a gesture underscoring the shut and longstanding ties between India and South Africa. That is his fourth official go to to the nation, following earlier journeys for the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023, and a bilateral go to in 2016.
This yr’s G20 gathering marks the summit’s fourth consecutive rotation by means of the World South after Indonesia, India, and Brazil, with South Africa assuming the presidency for 2025, highlighting the area’s increasing world management.
Forward of the summit, PM Modi started his bilateral conferences by participating with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday, discussing ongoing cooperation and shared priorities.
He additionally interacted with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg, later writing, “Met the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz… It really strengthens our diaspora’s reference to India.”
In one other engagement, PM Modi met the Chairman and CEO of Naspers, discussing increasing investments in India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
The Prime Minister additionally attended a cultural occasion that includes the South African Girmitiya music “Ganga Maiya”. Sharing his expertise on X, he wrote, “It was a really joyful and emotional expertise… One other particular side was that the music was additionally sung in Tamil… By means of these songs and bhajans, they stored India alive of their hearts.”
(With companies inputs)