PM Modi, Italy’s PM Meloni Share Light Moment At G20 Johannesburg | Watch

Last Updated:November 22, 2025, 16:52 IST

The encounter comes months after their last meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June

PM Modi meets Italian PM Meloni | Image: X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni greeted each other warmly on Saturday as world leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the G20 Summit, marking yet another friendly exchange between the two heads of government.

The leaders met ahead of the opening session at the Nasrec convention venue, shaking hands and sharing smiles before joining deliberations.

The encounter comes months after their last meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June.

Their rapport has been highlighted in recent months, with PM Modi contributing the preface to the Indian edition of Meloni’s book I Am Giorgia.

In it, he wrote that the India–Italy partnership rests on “shared civilizing instincts, such as the defence of heritage, the strength of community, and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force."

Responding to his remarks, Meloni told Italian news agency Adnkronos that PM Modi’s words “deeply touch and honour" her, adding that she “sincerely reciprocates" the sentiments and noting that they reflect the strong bond between the two countries.

Saturday’s session was attended by several global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

US President Donald Trump did not attend, with his administration stating that South Africa’s priorities, including its emphasis on enhanced global cooperation on trade and climate action, diverge from Washington’s policy positions.

News world PM Modi, Italy’s PM Meloni Share Light Moment At G20 Johannesburg | Watch

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