‘Happy birthday, my friend’: Giorgia Meloni’s special wish for PM Modi goes viral
Giorgia Meloni wished PM Modi on his 76th birthday, calling him “my friend” and highlighting the growing friendship and cooperation between Italy and India
PTC Web Desk: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, calling him her “friend” and highlighting the growing relationship between India and Italy.
Taking to X, Meloni wrote, “Happy birthday to my friend @narendramodi,” and wished him health, energy and success.
She also used the occasion to underline the close ties between the two countries. Meloni said Italy and India will continue strengthening their bond of friendship and work together towards greater cooperation and prosperity.
Her message came as Modi turned 76, with several world leaders and Indian political figures extending birthday greetings to the Prime Minister. Russian President Vladimir Putin also praised Modi's contribution to India-Russia ties, while a message from the US Embassy in India conveyed President Donald Trump's birthday wishes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also wished Modi, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay were among Indian political figures who posted birthday messages.
Meloni's message, however, stood out for its personal tone, with the Italian leader addressing Modi as “my friend” while also stressing the continuing India-Italy partnership.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a fun and symbolic gift to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome — a packet of Parle's Melody toffee--- in May. The gift was a playful reference to the popular “#Melodi” internet trend, which combines the surnames of Modi and Meloni.
Meloni shared a video of the moment on social media and thanked Modi for the gift. In the clip, both leaders are seen smiling and holding the Melody toffee packet. Meloni jokingly says, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift a very, very good toffee,” to which Modi replies, “Melody.”
Buon compleanno al mio amico @narendramodi, a cui auguro salute, energia e successo.
Italia e India continuano a rafforzare il loro profondo legame di amicizia, costruendo insieme un futuro di cooperazione e prosperità per le nostre Nazioni.
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 17, 2026
The video quickly went viral online, with users calling it “the ultimate #Melodi crossover.” Social media platforms were flooded with memes, screenshots and edited clips, while many praised Modi for joining in on a meme that has become popular over the last few years.
The “#Melodi” trend first became widely famous during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023. At the time, Meloni posted a selfie with Modi captioned, “Good friends at COP28 #Melodi.” The post sparked a huge meme trend online, especially among users in India and Italy, who enjoyed the friendly chemistry between the two leaders.