<p>As PM Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni set the internet on fire with their Melody toffee video, Congress on Thursday (May 21) launched a sharp attack against the Indian Prime Minister. In a post on X, the chief Opposition party trolled Modi, commenting, "he can't say M for Mehengai (inflation), but he can say M for Melody". In another X video, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the PM, noting that while Modi himself urged the people of India to refrain from buying gold, driving a lot and going abroad, "he himself travels abroad on a plane worth thousands of crores of rupees, feeding Italian Prime Minister Meloni a Melody toffee."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-strongly-condemn-discrimination-taiwan-condemns-racist-election-poster-promising-a-ban-on-indian-immigrants-after-viral-backlash-1779262317332"><strong>‘We strongly condemn discrimination’: Taiwan slams racist election poster promising a ban on Indian immigrants after viral backlash</strong></a></p><h2><strong>An insult to the people of India</strong></h2><p>Gandhi alleged that the now viral “reel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made is an insult to the people of India who are suffering.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="hi" dir="ltr">मोदी जी, आपका Melody Reel हर भारतीय का - और उसके दर्द का - अपमान है। <a href="https://t.co/9SNqzg3uUJ">pic.twitter.com/9SNqzg3uUJ</a></p>&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/2057128654329794679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Congress, in its video, claimed that Indians suffer in poverty while PM Modi "distributes Melody" toffees during his visit to Italy. The opposition party also posted a video montage contrasting economic hardships with clips of Modi gifting the popular Indian toffee to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. "The country is struggling with a huge financial crisis...but what is the Prime Minister doing? Distributing toffees in Italy like Santa Claus."</p><p>"Farmers, youths, women, workers, small businessmen — they are all crying...(while) PM laughs, makes reels, distributes toffees..Do something Mr. Modi... Do something!" it adds.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="hi" dir="ltr">देश के लोग गुरबत में जिंदगी काट रहे हैं<br> मोदी इटली में &#39;मेलोडी&#39; बांट रहे हैं <a href="https://t.co/UYJdMMNxKM">pic.twitter.com/UYJdMMNxKM</a></p>&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/2057086803954573357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-there-are-youngsters-like-cockroaches-what-made-cji-surya-kant-compare-youngsters-to-pests-supreme-court-hearing-turns-explosive-1778909973915"><strong>'There are youngsters like cockroaches': Why did CJI Surya Kant compare youngsters to pests?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>The viral Melody moment</strong></h2><p>In what was a brilliant social media strategy, Indian PM Modi, who is on a multi-nation visit, in a viral "sweet" moment, gifted the Italian PM a packet of a popular Indian toffee called Melody. A video reel of the moment went viral online, with people enjoying Modi's nod to the viral nickname 'MeloDi', which the internet has coined for him and PM Meloni. In the video, the Italian PM says that Prime Minister Modi has got a “very very special gift from India”. PM Modi then responds by saying ‘Melodi’ while showing a packet of Melody toffees.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYjNN2KsWkx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYjNN2KsWkx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYjNN2KsWkx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>The term “Melodi” is a viral nickname created by social media users by blending the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both leaders were aware of the trend and joined in during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023. At the time, Meloni posted a selfie with Modi, captioning it “Good friends at COP28 #Melodi.” The buzz around the nickname resurfaced when Meloni welcomed Modi to Rome with another selfie. Social media users flooded the post with comments like “Melodi is back”.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

The Congress on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his now-viral “Melodi” moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing him of prioritising social media optics while ordinary Indians struggle with inflation and rising living costs. Here's what the party said.

As PM Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni set the internet on fire with their Melody toffee video, Congress on Thursday (May 21) launched a sharp attack against the Indian Prime Minister. In a post on X, the chief Opposition party trolled Modi, commenting, "he can't say M for Mehengai (inflation), but he can say M for Melody". In another X video, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the PM, noting that while Modi himself urged the people of India to refrain from buying gold, driving a lot and going abroad, "he himself travels abroad on a plane worth thousands of crores of rupees, feeding Italian Prime Minister Meloni a Melody toffee." Also read | ‘We strongly condemn discrimination’: Taiwan slams racist election poster promising a ban on Indian immigrants after viral backlash An insult to the people of India Gandhi alleged that the now viral “reel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made is an insult to the people of India who are suffering.”

<p>The Congress on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his now-viral “Melodi” moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing him of prioritising social media optics while ordinary Indians struggle with inflation and rising living costs. Here's what the party said.</p>

‘M for Melody, not Mehengai’: Congress mocks Modi over Meloni video, claims viral reel ‘insult to Indians suffering’

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome has triggered a social media frenzy after he gifted her a packet of Melody toffees during their interaction. The light-hearted exchange quickly went viral, with many users linking it to the long-running “#Melodi” meme trend centred around the two leaders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The moment gained attention after Meloni shared a video on Instagram captioned, “Thank you for the gift.” In the clip, she is seen holding the packet and saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift… a very, very good toffee.” Modi responded with a smile, saying, “Melody,” as both leaders laughed and displayed the packet to the camera.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYjTDNyt_ya/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYjTDNyt_ya/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYjTDNyt_ya/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Parle Products (@parleproducts)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-ulpgm-v3-india-completes-development-trials-of-indigenous-uav-launched-missile-all-features-explained-1779262940485"><strong>What is ULPGM-V3? India completes final trials of indigenous UAV-launched precision guided missile; All features explained</strong></a></p><h3>Parle says ‘sweetening relationships since 1983’</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Parle Products, the Mumbai-based maker of Melody, soon joined the online conversation. Sharing the clip on Instagram, the company wrote, “Sweetening relationships since 1983.” Mayank Shah, Vice President at Parle Products, described the gesture as a major moment for the company. “This was really big for us. Grateful to our Prime Minister. I think this is also a nice way of pushing Indian products and, probably, giving them a global stage,” he told CNBC-TV18. Founded in 1929, Parle remains one of India’s most recognised confectionery brands, with Melody continuing to enjoy strong popularity decades after its launch.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Modi’s Italy visit and bilateral talks</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The viral moment unfolded during PM Modi’s visit to Rome for the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. During the visit, Modi held talks with Giorgia Meloni aimed at strengthening India-Italy ties and exchanged views on a range of global and bilateral issues. Meloni also hosted the Indian Prime Minister for dinner and accompanied him on a visit to the Colosseum. “Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner, followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum,” Modi said in a social media post on X.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you for the gift <a href="https://t.co/7ePxbJwPbA">pic.twitter.com/7ePxbJwPbA</a></p>&mdash; Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/2056983259633062130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ebola-outbreak-worries-who-over-scale-and-speed-what-do-we-know-about-the-bundibugyo-strain-1779261400828"><strong>Ebola outbreak worries WHO over ‘scale and speed’: What do we know about the Bundibugyo strain?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Internet divided over the viral clip</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The exchange also revived the “#Melodi” meme, which emerged in 2023 after Meloni posted selfies and videos with Modi during events such as the G20 Summit and COP28 in Dubai. The latest clip prompted mixed reactions online. One X user wrote, “Best ad campaign of the year — done accidentally by two Prime Ministers and one Rs. 1 Melody toffee.” Another posted, “PM Modi’s ₹1 Melody just won Italy’s heart.” Others criticised the timing of the video amid domestic concerns saying, "Not good time Modiji to post this. Situation and mood in the country is not good at this moment. This could have been avoided and could have posted at a later time”, while some users initially believed the clip was AI-generated before discovering it was real.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The moment gained attention after Meloni shared a video on Instagram captioned, “Thank you for the gift.” In the clip, she is seen holding the packet and saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift… a very, very good toffee.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome has triggered a social media frenzy after he gifted her a packet of Melody toffees during their interaction. The light-hearted exchange quickly went viral, with many users linking it to the long-running “#Melodi” meme trend centred around the two leaders. The moment gained attention after Meloni shared a video on Instagram captioned, “Thank you for the gift.” In the clip, she is seen holding the packet and saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift… a very, very good toffee.” Modi responded with a smile, saying, “Melody,” as both leaders laughed and displayed the packet to the camera.

<p>The moment gained attention after Meloni shared a video on Instagram captioned, “Thank you for the gift.” In the clip, she is seen holding the packet and saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift… a very, very good toffee.”</p>

‘Sweetening relationships since...’: Parle reacts as PM Modi gifts Melody to Giorgia Meloni, ‘#Melodi’ trend returns

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a ‘Melodi’ touch to his Italy visit after gifting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a packet of ‘Melody’ chocolate, in nod to the viral internet nickname coined by social media users combining the names of the two leaders. The video of the incident was shared by Meloni on social media and it quickly went viral. In the video, the Italian PM says that Prime Minister Modi has got a “very very special gift from India”. PM Modi then responds by saying ‘Melodi’ while showing a packet of Melody toffees.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-giorgia-meloni-selfie-colosseum-dinner-pictures-from-rome-social-media-erupts-melodi-memes-comments-italy-india-1779248276147">‘Melodi’ selfie and dinner: PM Modi shares Colosseum pictures with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni; social media erupts</a></p>

<p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-welcome-to-rome-my-friend-meloni-shares-photo-with-pm-modi-after-his-arrival-in-italy-1779232304845">'Welcome to Rome, my friend!': Meloni shares photo with PM Modi after his arrival in Italy</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Previously, PM Modi shared photographs from his dinner meeting with Meloni in Rome's Colosseum ahead of their official talks. Posting on social media, Modi wrote: “Met PM Meloni in Rome last evening. Looking forward to our talks later today.” The two leaders were seen standing side by side inside the Colosseum against the backdrop of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, the two leaders were seen engaged in an extended conversation. As PM Modi reached Rome, Meloni welcomed him by sharing a selfie of them on social media. She wrote on X: “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” The two leaders were also seen sharing a ride through the streets of Rome, offering a glimpse of informal “car diplomacy.”</p><h2>The ‘Melodi’ nickname and how it began</h2><p>The term “Melodi” is a viral nickname coined by social media users by combining the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders were aware of the social media trend and hopped on to it during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023. Meloni shared a selfie with Modi captioned “Good friends at COP28 #Melodi.” The buzz resurfaced once again as Meloni welcomed Modi to Rome with a selfie. Several comments joked that “Melodi is back and “Indians were waiting for this moment.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a special ‘Melodi’ chocolate to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his Italy visit, reigniting social media buzz around the viral nickname combining the two leaders’ names.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a ‘Melodi’ touch to his Italy visit after gifting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a packet of ‘Melody’ chocolate, in nod to the viral internet nickname coined by social media users combining the names of the two leaders. The video of the incident was shared by Meloni on social media and it quickly went viral. In the video, the Italian PM says that Prime Minister Modi has got a “very very special gift from India”. PM Modi then responds by saying ‘Melodi’ while showing a packet of Melody toffees. Also Read: ‘Melodi’ selfie and dinner: PM Modi shares Colosseum pictures with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni; social media erupts

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a special ‘Melodi’ chocolate to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his Italy visit, reigniting social media buzz around the viral nickname combining the two leaders’ names.</p>

'Melodi' moment in Italy! PM Modi surprises Meloni with special gift — WATCH

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian PM Giorgia Meloni during his Italy visit, with their viral ‘Melodi’ selfie once again drawing attention online amid talks on bilateral ties and global cooperation.

‘Melodi’ selfie and dinner: PM Modi shares Colosseum pictures with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni; social media erupts

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai. The selfie, posted by Meloni on Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter) became the most-talked about trend on internet in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni captioned the selfie with hashtag 'Melodi' while describing herself and Modi as 'good friends at COP28'.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good friends at COP28.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0W6R0RJJo">pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1730644622198657314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The 46-year-old Italian leader&nbsp;captured the attention of netizens with the hashtag 'Melodi', a popular play on the surname of the two leaders created from sarcastic alleys of social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi replied on Dec 2: "Meeting friends is always a delight."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting friends is always a delight. <a href="https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC">https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1730886406677881184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(More information will be added soon.)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai. The selfie, posted by Meloni on Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter) became the most-talked about trend on internet in India. Meloni captioned the selfie with hashtag 'Melodi' while describing herself and Modi as 'good friends at COP28'. Good friends at COP28.#Melodi pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) December 1, 2023 × The 46-year-old Italian leader captured the attention of netizens with the hashtag 'Melodi', a popular play on the surname of the two leaders created from sarcastic alleys of social media. Modi replied on Dec 2: "Meeting friends is always a delight." Meeting friends is always a delight. https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 2, 2023 × (More information will be added soon.)

'Always a delight': India's PM Modi reacts to viral 'Melodi' selfie

modi-meloni

Modi Meloni, News on Modi Meloni, stories on Modi Meloni, articles on Modi Meloni, Modi Meloni stories at Wion, Modi Meloni news, Modi Meloni latest news

modi meloni

‘M for Melody, not Mehengai’: Congress mocks Modi over Meloni video, claims viral reel ‘insult to Indians suffering’

Parle reacts after PM Modi gifts Melody to Giorgia Meloni, #Melodi trend returns

‘Melodi’ moment in Italy! PM Modi surprises Meloni with special gift — WATCH

PM Modi shares Colosseum pictures with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni | See here

'Always a delight': India's PM Modi reacts to viral 'Melodi' selfie