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Whenever PM Narendra Modi and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meet, the internet knows something is about to trend.
What’s brewing: but beyond the memes and viral moments, the two leaders unveiled a much bigger plan, one focused on trade, technology, defence, clean energy, space and manufacturing.
India & Italy want bilateral trade between the two countries to cross €20 billion by 2029. And they believe the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement could help make that happen faster.
Some numbers: Italy is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union.
In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached €14.25 billion. India’s exports stood at €8.55 billion, while Italy’s exports to India came in at €5.70 billion, marking a 9.42% rise over 2024.
Both countries are looking closely at sectors like defence, aerospace, auto components, pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, tourism and clean technologies.
Italy also wants to combine its design and manufacturing strength with India’s scale, engineering talent and booming startup ecosystem.
The sweetest headline: Modi gifted Meloni a pack of Melody toffees, turning the already viral ‘Melodi’ nickname into a real-life moment. And that’s where Dalal Street entered the chat.
Shares of Parle Industries surged 5% after the Melody moment went viral. Investors appeared to assume the listed company was linked to the famous Melody candy.
Except…it isn’t.
Melody is actually made by Parle Products, the privately owned FMCG giant behind Parle-G, Monaco and KrackJack.
Parle Industries, despite the similar name, is a completely separate listed company with no connection to Melody toffees.
