A video of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifting "Melody" toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has gone viral during a state visit to Rome.
The incident has transformed a gesture of diplomatic goodwill into a domestic political flashpoint. While the clip highlights the personal rapport between the two leaders, it has provided a target for opposition figures who argue the government is ignoring severe economic distress at home.
The 27-second video [2] shows the exchange of the iconic Indian candies. According to reports, the footage amassed 100 million views [1] within six hours of being posted. In the clip, Meloni said, "Thank you for the gift" [3].
The rapid spread of the video on social media prompted a reaction from opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi said the Prime Minister is focusing on social media moments while India faces significant financial challenges. "Economic storm raging, PM busy handing out candies," Gandhi said [4].
Critics cited by the opposition argue that the focus on viral diplomacy diverts public attention from pressing internal issues. These include rising fuel prices, inflation, and broader economic stress affecting the Indian population [4].
The interaction took place during Modi's official visit to Italy, where the two leaders met to discuss bilateral relations. Despite the political friction in India, the video continues to circulate widely across digital platforms as a symbol of the unique chemistry between the two heads of state.
“"Economic storm raging, PM busy handing out candies"”
The controversy illustrates the tension between 'digital diplomacy' and domestic accountability. While the Indian government uses high-visibility social media interactions to project soft power and strong international ties, the opposition leverages these same moments to frame the leadership as out of touch with the economic realities of the citizenry.
