Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her warm wishes on his 75th birthday, underscoring the strong friendship between India and Italy.

“Thank you Prime Minister Meloni for your warm wishes. Deeply appreciate Italy’s friendship and look forward to strengthening it further,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Meloni, posting a photo with PM Modi, praised his leadership and extended wishes for his health and energy to continue guiding India toward a bright future. “Happy 75th birthday to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His strength, his determination, and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration,” she said.

Earlier this month, PM Modi and Meloni held a phone conversation to review bilateral ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to deepen the India–Italy Strategic Partnership, promote connectivity through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC), and push forward the India-EU trade agreement. They also shared views on regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for an early and peaceful resolution.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that the two leaders positively assessed progress in areas such as investment, defence, security, space, science and technology, education, people-to-people exchanges, and counter-terrorism. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29.

The camaraderie between Modi and Meloni has drawn significant attention online, with their interactions at the G7 Summit in June and recent exchanges popularized on social media under the hashtag #Melodi, reflecting growing public interest in the India–Italy partnership.