PM Modi meets Italian Counterpart Meloni at G20 Summit in Johannesburg

November 22, 2025

Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday briefly met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni just ahead of the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Both leaders shook hands and exchanged warm greetings, reflecting the strong rapport that has significantly strengthened India–Italy relations in recent years. PM Modi is among several global leaders attending the November 22–23 summit.

PM Modi and Meloni had last met on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis in June, where both leaders committed to further deepening the India–Italy partnership.

PM Modi Praises Meloni, Leaders Highlight Shared Values

In September, PM Modi described the Italian Prime Minister as an “extraordinary political leader who combines ideas and heart”, and called her autobiography a “Mann Ki Baat” — ideas straight from the heart.

In the preface to the Indian edition of I Am Giorgia, PM Modi highlighted the closeness between India and Italy, rooted in “shared civilizing instincts” such as protecting heritage, valuing community, and celebrating femininity as a guiding force.

Meloni warmly acknowledged these sentiments, saying she sincerely reciprocates the respect and friendship. “These are sentiments that I sincerely reciprocate, with all my heart, and which testify to the strong bond between our nations,” she was quoted as saying by Italian news agency Adnkronos.

PM Modi’s preface to the book, Adnkronos noted, stands out for its personal and symbolic tone, linking his message to their friendship and their shared ability to blend tradition with modernity.

Growing Strategic Partnership and Social Media Buzz

PM Modi also thanked Meloni for her warm birthday wishes on his 75th birthday in September. Meloni had praised Modi’s leadership, calling him a source of inspiration and expressing hope for further strengthening bilateral ties.

“Thank you Prime Minister Meloni for your warm wishes. Deeply appreciate Italy’s friendship and look forward to strengthening it further,” PM Modi had posted on X.

Earlier on September 10, the two leaders held a telephonic conversation reaffirming their commitment to deepen the India–Italy Strategic Partnership. They discussed cooperation in the upcoming AI Impact Summit India will host in 2026, the India–EU trade agreement, and progress under the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC).

They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, agreeing on the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s support for all diplomatic efforts.

The growing camaraderie between the two leaders has also become a social media sensation, sparking the popular hashtag #Melodi.