‘Melody’: PM Modi’s ‘very, very good toffee’ gift to Meloni

Italian Prime Miner Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday thanked her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for gifting a packet of “Melody” toffees, leading to laughter and a viral diplomatic exchange clip online.

Meloni shared the video clip with her Indian counterpart, who is on a visit to Rome, on her X account, captioning the post, “Thank you for the gift.”
“Prime Miner Modi got us a gift, a very, very good toffee,” the Italian PM is heard saying in the video, to which Modi replied, “Melody”, showing the packet of the chocolate-filled toffee, before the two burst out laughing.

Thank you for the gift pic.twitter.com/7ePxbJwPbA
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026
Meloni hosted Prime Miner Narendra Modi for dinner and accompanied him on a visit to the iconic Colosseum ahead of their formal talks aimed at further boosting India-Italy ties.

Modi arrived in Italy on Tuesday on the concluding leg of his five-nation tour from May 15-20. He was earlier in the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
“Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Miner Meloni over dinner, followed a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects,” Modi said in a social media post.
The prime miner said he was looking forward to formal talks with Meloni on Wednesday to continue discussions on ways to “boost the India-Italy friendship”.
The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built.Modi, who arrived here from Norway, also thanked the Indian community in Italy for according him with a warm welcome.Story continues below this ad
“Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world,” he said.
External Affairs Minry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a social media post said on arrival in Rome, PM Modi received an energetic and warm welcome the vibrant Indian community in Italy.
The prime miner, he said, witnessed colourful performances including Kathak, Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam Italian arts.
“The reception also included a soulful rendering of Indian classical music Italian musicians. The enchanting display of Santoor, Tabla, Bansuri and Sitar showcased the richness of India’s musical legacy,” the spokesperson said.In another post, Modi shared details of his interaction with Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, who presented him with his work on Varanasi.Story continues below this ad
He said Tomassetti’s “passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades”.
“In the 1980s, he started as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture. From 2008 to 2013, he worked on 23 large paintings relating to the Mahabharat,” Modi said.
The prime miner also noted that Indian music is getting “very popular” in Italy.
“During the community welcome in Rome last evening, five Italian artes performed the Hamsadhwani. Compliments to Mr. Valerio Bruni (Santoor), Mr. Leo Vertunni (Sitar), Mr. Simone Mattiello (Bansuri), Mr. Francesco Gherardi (Tabla) and Mr. Nicolo Mellochi (Bansuri),” Modi said in another post.