NEW DELHI: Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a lighthearted moment on the sidelines of the G7 Summit held in Italy’s Apulia. The summit, which gathered leaders from the world’s most advanced economies, provided a platform for discussions on global issues ranging from climate change to economic recovery post-pandemic.

During a break in the summit proceedings, Prime Minister Meloni took the opportunity to capture a selfie with Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the camaraderie and informal exchanges that often characterize such high-level diplomatic gatherings. The selfie, shared widely on social media, symbolizes the warm relations between Italy and India, two countries with deep historical ties and increasing collaboration on various fronts including trade, culture, and technology.

Prime Minister Meloni, who assumed office in October 2022, represents the right-wing Brothers of Italy party and has been proactive in promoting Italy’s interests on the international stage. Her interaction with Prime Minister Modi underscores the importance of personal diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations between nations.

India, represented by Prime Minister Modi, participated actively in the G7 Summit discussions, contributing perspectives on issues crucial to the global agenda. Key topics addressed included sustainable development, healthcare infrastructure, and fostering inclusive economic growth across the world.

The G7 Summit, an annual gathering of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, serves as a forum for collaborative efforts aimed at addressing global challenges. This year’s summit focused significantly on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies for building resilient economies.

The informal moment captured in the selfie between Prime Minister Meloni and Prime Minister Modi highlights the personal rapport between leaders crucial for effective international diplomacy. Such interactions not only showcase the human side of diplomatic engagements but also contribute to fostering understanding and cooperation on a global scale.

As both leaders return to their respective countries, the selfie stands as a testament to the shared commitment of Italy and India in working together towards a more prosperous and interconnected world.

The G7 Summit concluded with a joint statement reaffirming the members’ commitment to multilateralism and addressing pressing global challenges through cooperation and solidarity.

Prime Minister Meloni’s gesture of clicking a selfie with Prime Minister Modi not only captures a moment of camaraderie but also reinforces the bonds of friendship and collaboration between Italy and India on the world stage.