Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he became the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in India's history. Marking the occasion, Meloni praised Modi's achievement and underlined the strengthening relationship between India and Italy.
In a message shared on social media, Meloni wrote, “Congratulations to @narendramodi who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India." She also referred to their recent discussions in Rome, saying, “It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples."
Also Read | PM Modi becomes India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, completes historic 12-year milestone
Along with the message, the Italian leader posted a photograph from Modi's recent visit to Italy.
Congratulazioni a @narendramodi che oggi diventa il Primo Ministro eletto più longevo nella storia dell’India.
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 10, 2026
È stato un piacere ritrovarci a Roma nelle scorse settimane e lanciare assieme un Partenariato Strategico Speciale che guarda al futuro per creare nuove opportunità… pic.twitter.com/hiQICM6eKV
Rome visit strengthened bilateral ties
Prime Minister Modi visited Rome recently as part of the final leg of his five-nation foreign tour. During the visit, he held talks with Meloni and participated in a series of engagements aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries.
Images from the visit drew attention online, including moments of the two leaders travelling together, visiting the historic Colosseum and holding discussions over dinner. Meloni had also shared a photograph of herself and Modi at the illuminated Colosseum, one of Rome's most recognisable landmarks.
How a Melody toffee gift rekindled the viral ‘Melodi’ craze
One of the most talked-about moments from the visit came when Modi gifted Meloni a packet of Parle's Melody toffees. The gesture quickly sparked online reactions linked to the popular "Melodi" nickname, coined by social media users based on the leaders' friendly rapport.
Also Read | Why are world leaders congratulating PM Modi on this historic milestone?
Sharing a video of the exchange on Instagram, Meloni wrote, “Thank you for the gift". The clip, showing both leaders holding the packet of toffees, gained widespread attention online.
Thank you for the gift pic.twitter.com/7ePxbJwPbA
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026
Modi surpasses Nehru's record
With 4,399 consecutive days in office, Modi has now surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure as India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister. Modi first took office on May 26, 2014, returned with a larger mandate in 2019, and began his third consecutive term on June 9, 2024.
FAQs:
Has Giorgia Meloni visited India?
Yes, Giorgia Meloni visited India in March 2023 for the Raisina Dialogue and returned in September 2023 to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
What is the ‘Melodi’ connection between Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni?
‘Melodi’ is a popular social media nickname inspired by the friendly rapport between Modi and Meloni, which has also reflected growing India-Italy strategic ties.
