Melodi Trend Dupes Millions with Modi's Illusory Success

In the age of digital diplomacy, the "#Melodi" trend—a playful social media phenomenon "shipping" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has emerged as a unique blend of organic online fervor and strategic soft power.

Sparked by their warm interactions at global summits like the G20 in 2023 and G7 Summits in 2024 and 2025, the trend has not only amplified Modi’s international stature but also been subtly leveraged by the Indian government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to underscore India’s robust diplomatic efforts. Simultaneously, it has made Modi more relatable to young Indians, bridging the gap between high-level diplomacy and pop culture.

The #Melodi trend began organically when viral moments, such as Meloni’s "Hello from the Melodi team" video at the G7 Summit in 2024 and Modi’s shared selfies with her, captured the internet’s imagination. Social media platforms like X and Instagram were flooded with memes, fan edits, and humorous posts pairing the two leaders, transforming their diplomatic camaraderie into a cultural phenomenon. While not a deliberate PR campaign, the Indian government and BJP recognized the trend’s potential to enhance Modi’s image as a global statesman. Modi’s official X handle reposted #Melodi content, including a selfie captioned to highlight the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, elevated in 2023. These posts portrayed Modi as a charismatic leader who fosters strong ties with world leaders, thereby reinforcing his narrative as a global influencer.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and BJP supporters amplified the trend to showcase India’s diplomatic prowess. By engaging with #Melodi content, the government subtly tied the trend to tangible outcomes, such as deepened India-Italy cooperation in trade, defense, and initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. BJP-affiliated accounts and pro-government influencers on X shared #Melodi memes alongside posts praising Modi’s foreign policy, portraying him as a leader who commands respect and affection globally. This strategic amplification aligned the light-hearted trend with India’s broader diplomatic narrative, proving the ministry’s efficiency in building international alliances. For instance, Meloni’s visits to India in 2023 and the reciprocal warmth at summits were highlighted as evidence of Modi’s personal touch in diplomacy, making India a key player on the world stage.

The #Melodi trend has significantly glorified Modi’s international reputation. His visible rapport with Meloni, a prominent European leader, projects him as a bridge between the Global South and the West. X posts often describe Modi as a "global rockstar," with #Melodi memes juxtaposing his diplomatic engagements with his approachable demeanor. This portrayal enhances his image as a leader who can navigate complex geopolitics while maintaining personal warmth, resonating with both domestic and international audiences.

For young Indians, #Melodi has made Modi more relatable, transforming his image from a distant statesman to a figure who fits into their meme-driven digital culture. The trend’s playful tone, with edits and reels circulating on Instagram, aligns with the sensibilities of India’s youth, who increasingly engage with politics through humor and social media. By embracing #Melodi, Modi appears in tune with this demographic, softening his image as a serious politician. This relatability is evident in X posts where young users call him “Modi ji, the OG influencer,” reflecting a cultural shift where political admiration meets pop culture fandom.

In conclusion, the #Melodi trend, while born organically, has been deftly used by the Indian government and BJP to highlight Modi’s diplomatic successes and global appeal. By tying it to India’s strategic partnerships, the trend underscores the efficacy of India’s foreign policy. For young Indians, #Melodi has made Modi a relatable figure, blending diplomacy with digital culture. As social media continues to shape political narratives, #Melodi exemplifies how organic trends can be harnessed to elevate a leader’s image and a nation’s global standing.

Connect with Us