Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy and his friendship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captured global attention. A heartwarming moment emerged when Modi gifted a packet of Parle Melody candies to Meloni, sparking a viral sensation across social media platforms.

Meloni shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing the two leaders posing with the candy packet, saying “Prime Minister Modi brought a gift — very good toffee.” Modi responded “Melody” in the clip, and both leaders shared a laugh. The “#Melody” hashtag — blending Meloni and Modi — trended widely online as netizens celebrated the friendly gesture.

In an unexpected twist, the viral moment led to a surge in shares of Parle Industries, a waste management company, as investors mistakenly bought its stock believing it was the manufacturer of Parle Melody candies. Parle Products, the actual maker of Melody, is not listed on the stock market.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Modi, saying that while ordinary Indians face severe economic hardship, the Prime Minister is busy distributing candy in Italy. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge joked that Modi wants people to hear his speeches like Melody. BJP national president Nitin Navin dismissed Gandhi’s remarks as inappropriate and against India’s political traditions.

Modi also attended a dinner banquet and visited the historic Colosseum during his Italy visit, with photographs from the tour going viral as well.