PARIS: A light-hearted exchange between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 summit in France has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from users around the world.
The interaction took place ahead of the official group photograph of world leaders attending the summit. As the two leaders greeted each other and exchanged a few words, Modi reportedly referred to his popularity on social media platforms.
Responding with a smile, Meloni remarked that they were “the most famous couple on Instagram,” a comment that quickly spread across social media and generated thousands of reactions, memes and comments online.
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The friendly exchange is the latest chapter in a series of widely shared interactions between the two leaders. Their previous meetings at international forums have often attracted significant attention online, with photographs and videos frequently trending across social media platforms.
The viral moment also revived discussion about Modi’s earlier visit to Italy, during which he presented sweets to Meloni. The gesture had sparked debate in India, with critics questioning the optics of the exchange.
Among those who commented on the issue was opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who had previously criticised Modi, arguing that the country was facing pressing economic and social challenges, including inflation, unemployment and student concerns.
Supporters of the Indian prime minister, however, viewed the interactions as a positive reflection of India’s diplomatic engagement and personal rapport with international leaders.
The G7 summit brought together leaders from major economies to discuss global issues including security, trade, energy and geopolitical conflicts. While serious policy discussions dominated the agenda, the brief and humorous exchange between Modi and Meloni emerged as one of the most talked-about moments from the gathering.