Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recalled the warm reception she received during a 2023 [1] visit to New Delhi.
The anecdote, shared in a new book, highlights the diplomatic goodwill and public visibility the Italian leader experienced while visiting India.
Meloni described a scene where the streets of the capital were filled with welcoming imagery. "The roads of New Delhi were lined with posters bearing my smile," Meloni said [2]. This visibility served as the backdrop for a lighthearted exchange with her colleague, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.
During the trip, Tajani remarked on the apparent popularity of the prime minister among the local population. He said that if she were to run for office in a New Delhi constituency, she would win 1 million votes [1].
Meloni used the story to illustrate the nature of the hospitality and the political atmosphere she encountered in the city. The recollection emphasizes the strong interpersonal connections developed during the official visit, a key component of Italy's engagement with the region.
By documenting these moments in her writing, Meloni frames the 2023 [1] trip as a significant point of connection between the two nations. The mention of the million-vote joke underscores the friendly rapport between Meloni and Tajani, as well as the perceived enthusiasm of the Indian public toward her leadership.
“"The roads of New Delhi were lined with posters bearing my smile."”
This recollection serves as a soft-power diplomatic tool, reinforcing the strategic and friendly relationship between Italy and India. By highlighting public affection and humorous political commentary from her deputy, Meloni emphasizes a narrative of global acceptance and strong bilateral ties that extend beyond formal government agreements into the realm of public perception.
