Modi gifts ‘Melody’ to Meloni

‘Melody Moment’ breaks internet O Video crosses past 100 million views O Share price of Parle Industries goes up

ROME, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a light-hearted and unique gift — a “Melody” toffee packet– to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, bringing back the widely popular “#Melodi” moment that has often gone viral on social media.

The informal exchange, marked by laughter between the two leaders, was later shared by the Italian PM on Instagram, where she also spoke about the gesture and the gift received from the Indian Prime Minister.

Sharing the video of the moment, Meloni said, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift — a very, very good toffee — Melody,” as both leaders were seen sharing a laugh during the interaction.

She further added in her caption, “Thank you for the gift.”

The “Melodi” phenomenon — a portmanteau combining the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni — has become a recurring viral trend online, reflecting the visible personal rapport and friendly exchanges between the two leaders during various international engagements.

The term has frequently been used by social media users to highlight their light-hearted interactions at global platforms, often turning into viral moments that generate memes, discussions and widespread online engagement, while also symbolising a perceived strengthening of India-Italy relations.

The viral ‘Melodi’ trend originally gained momentum after Meloni posted a selfie on X during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where she captioned it, “Good friends at COP28 #Melodi”. Till then, Melodi was just a meme hashtag used by Internet users. Since then the duo has frequently drawn attention for their warm greetings, handshakes and cordial interactions at multiple international events, including their widely shared selfie at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a pack of toffees to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni during a meeting in Rome, Italy. (PTI)

Meanwhile, the clip where Modi is seen gifting a “Melody” toffee packet on Wednesday morning first took social media by storm and has now created a record of sorts in terms of views and public engagement.

As per the latest social media metrics, the video of the duo sharing a lighter moment has crossed 100 million views within a few hours of the ‘melody toffee’ moment, when PM Modi handed over a pack of popular chocolates to the Italian PM.

The clip broke the internet as the netizens went gaga over it and couldn’t stop talking about it. As the video circulated online, it went viral, evoking global interest and dominating social media trends. In fact, names like ‘Parle’ and ‘Melody’ became the most searched terms on Google and X.

Interestingly, the melody moment also drove up the share price of Parle Industries, with its stock price hitting the upper circuit, though it has no connection with the company that makes Melody chocolates.

It’s the Parle Products, an unlisted company that manufactures confectionery and chocolates besides biscuits and poppins. (IANS)

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PTI, IANS