Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni’s Awkward Hug Steals the Show at G7 Summit
The G7 Summit, currently underway in the picturesque region of Apulia, Italy, has captured global attention not only for its high-stakes discussions but also for the unique cultural gestures and viral moments that have unfolded.
Hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the summit has seen leaders from the world’s most advanced economies converge to tackle pressing global issues.
Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni’s Viral Moment
Among the early highlights of the summit was an unexpectedly humorous moment involving UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As Sunak arrived at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort, he was greeted with a hug and kiss by Meloni.
What appeared to be a standard diplomatic greeting quickly became a viral sensation due to an awkward moment captured on video.
Social media users were quick to comment, with one user humorously describing the interaction as having “smelly breath energy,” suggesting a misalignment in their greeting.
Meloni’s ‘Namaste’ Gesture
In a more deliberate and culturally significant gesture, Prime Minister Meloni greeted several G7 leaders with the traditional Indian ‘namaste’.
This gesture has been widely interpreted as a nod to her close friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is attending the summit.
Videos of Meloni welcoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with folded hands have been widely shared and applauded on social media, showcasing her respect for Indian customs.
The friendship between Modi and Meloni has been growing stronger over recent years. Meloni was one of the first European leaders to congratulate Modi on his third consecutive term, and their rapport was evident at previous international meetings such as COP28 and the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
Meloni’s ‘namaste’ not only highlighted her respect for Modi but also underscored the deepening ties between Italy and India.
Under the leadership of Modi and Meloni, India and Italy have significantly strengthened their bilateral relationship. Historical tensions, such as the 2012 marines incident and the 2014 helicopter deal controversy, have been set aside, paving the way for robust cooperation.
The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Meloni’s tenure, focusing on defense, trade, and technological collaboration.
The Summit’s Agenda
The G7 Summit, running from June 13 to 15, 2024, is focusing on critical global issues including the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Discussions also cover artificial intelligence, energy sustainability, and regional stability in Africa and the Mediterranean. Italy, holding the current G7 presidency, has emphasized the importance of defending the rules-based international system amidst these global challenges.
In addition to the core G7 members, Italy has invited leaders from 11 developing countries across Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific. This inclusive approach reflects a broader vision for global cooperation and governance. Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the outreach session underscores India’s significant role in international diplomacy and its strategic partnerships with G7 nations.