We are most famous on Instagram: PM Modi, Meloni revive 'Melodi' craze at G7

World leaders gathered in France's Evian-les-Bains for the G7 Summit this week to discuss pressing global issues. Yet, one of the most talked-about moments unfolded away from formal meetings and policy discussions.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared another light-hearted exchange that quickly caught the attention.

As leaders assembled before posing for the traditional group photo at the summit, Meloni and PM Modi were seen greeting each other warmly. The interaction appeared brief, but it carried the familiar charm.

"Nice to meet you again!" Meloni was heard telling PM Modi.

With the now-famous 'Melodi' phenomenon seemingly on his mind, PM Modi appeared to reference their popularity on Instagram. Meloni was quick with a playful response: "Yes, we are the most famous on Instagram."

THE 'MELODI' PHENOMENON

What started as a playful internet joke has evolved into a social media phenomenon. Melodi -- a blend of PM Modi and Meloni's surnames -- has become a recognisable online brand over the past three years.

A selfie posted by Meloni during the COP28 Summit in Dubai in 2023 evolved into a global internet trend. The Italian leader had shared a photograph with PM Modi and captioned it: "Good friends at COP28 #Melodi."

The hashtag immediately took off.

Users across social media platforms changed it into memes, fan edits and humorous posts. Since then, almost every interaction between PM Modi and Meloni has generated new waves of internet buzz. Whether at G7 summits, international conferences or bilateral meetings, the hashtag has repeatedly resurfaced.

SWEETEST NOD TO 'MELODI'

Much of the excitement around the pair can be traced to a gift. During PM Modi's visit to Rome last month, the Indian Prime Minister presented Meloni with a packet of Melody toffees. The gift was seen as PM Modi's sweetest acknowledgement yet of the "Melodi" phenomenon.

In a video shared online, PM Modi, dressed in a blue bandhgala suit, handed the toffees to Meloni, who was wearing a white suit. Smiling, she thanked him for the gift.

"Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift...very, very good toffee," Meloni said in the clip as both leaders laughed.

The video quickly broke the internet, crossing 100 million views within six hours of being posted online. It currently has more than 13 million likes.

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