Akie Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, recently visited the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, where she reflected on her late husband’s deep admiration for India and his strong personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During her interaction with India’s Ambassador to Japan, Nagma M Mallick, Akie Abe also spoke about her ongoing charitable work and initiatives focused on supporting young people. The embassy described the visit as a meaningful moment of remembrance and goodwill, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

In a post shared on X, the Indian Embassy noted that Akie Abe fondly recalled the close relationship between Shinzo Abe and PM Modi, emphasizing the warmth and mutual respect that defined their personal and diplomatic connection. The embassy also acknowledged her contributions to social causes and her continued engagement with humanitarian efforts.

In a previous event held in Tokyo last year, Akie Abe had also spoken about her husband’s special relationship with India, stating that his connection with the country went far beyond his official role as prime minister. She recalled how Shinzo Abe and PM Modi shared a strong personal rapport built on trust, respect, and shared vision for closer India-Japan cooperation.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe played a key role in transforming India-Japan relations into a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. His diplomatic engagement with India began years earlier, during PM Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, laying the foundation for a long-standing political and personal friendship between the two leaders.

Following Shinzo Abe’s tragic assassination in 2022, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a close friend and global statesman. He described Abe as a visionary leader who contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing global cooperation. PM Modi also attended his state funeral as a mark of respect.

India observed a day of national mourning in honor of Shinzo Abe, recognizing his contribution to bilateral relations and global diplomacy. Abe served as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, holding office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020, during which he prioritized strengthening India-Japan strategic relations and expanding cooperation across economic, security, and cultural fields.

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Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides shared a cheerful and friendly moment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday by taking a selfie before the beginning of high-level bilateral discussions in New Delhi. The gesture quickly drew attention as both leaders prepared to hold talks focused on expanding cooperation between India and Cyprus across several sectors.

The interaction took place at Hyderabad House, where the two leaders greeted each other warmly before heading into official meetings. President Christodoulides used his mobile phone to capture the moment with PM Modi, adding another memorable diplomatic selfie to the Prime Minister’s growing collection of light-hearted interactions with global leaders. In recent years, personalities such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have also shared similar moments with Modi during official engagements.

Earlier in the day, the Cyprus President visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, continuing the ceremonial aspects of his State visit to India. His visit reflects the growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations and follows PM Modi’s landmark trip to Cyprus in June 2025, which helped strengthen bilateral cooperation and political dialogue.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met President Christodoulides and discussed ways to further deepen India-Cyprus relations along with broader cooperation between India and the European Union. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared his appreciation for the Cypriot President’s positive approach toward enhancing strategic and economic ties.

The Cypriot leader arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after completing the Mumbai leg of his India tour. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta and was accorded a ceremonial reception, including a Guard of Honour.

During his stay in the capital, President Christodoulides is also expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where an official banquet will be hosted in his honor. The visit is being viewed as an important step toward advancing collaboration in trade, investment, technology, and regional cooperation between India and Cyprus.

Before arriving in Delhi, the Cyprus President participated in engagements in Mumbai, including a visit to the National Stock Exchange, where he joined senior NSE officials in ringing the ceremonial market bell. The event highlighted growing economic and business links between the two countries as they seek stronger long-term partnerships.

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The summit, considered one of the most significant diplomatic platforms between India and African nations, was expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation across trade, development, healthcare, infrastructure, and strategic sectors. However, rising health concerns linked to Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda prompted both sides to delay the event.

The move comes after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreaks a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to fears of wider transmission. Officials stated that ensuring the full participation and safe engagement of African leaders and delegates remained a priority while assessing the rapidly changing health conditions.

India and the African Union reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and emergency response systems across Africa. Discussions also focused on enhancing support for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and national health institutions dealing with the outbreak.

New Delhi reiterated its solidarity with African nations and expressed readiness to contribute to Africa-led efforts aimed at containing the outbreak and improving health response capabilities. Both sides emphasised that the postponement reflects a responsible and precautionary approach rather than any weakening of bilateral ties.

The new dates for the India-Africa Forum Summit are expected to be finalised through mutual consultations once the health situation stabilises. Officials stressed that India and Africa continue to share a long-standing partnership rooted in South-South cooperation, mutual respect, development collaboration, and shared global priorities.

Meanwhile, heightened precautionary measures have also been introduced in India. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a public health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. Travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan have been advised to immediately report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or muscle pain to airport health authorities.

Health officials also instructed travellers who had direct contact with suspected Ebola patients to inform airport authorities upon arrival. Passengers developing symptoms within 21 days after entering India have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare providers.

The developments underline the increasing importance of global health coordination and pandemic preparedness as countries continue to balance international engagement with public health security concerns.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s rich cultural heritage by presenting a collection of traditional Indian gifts to Nordic leaders during meetings held alongside the third India Nordic Summit in Norway. The carefully selected gifts reflected India’s artistic diversity, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism while also highlighting shared values and connections between India and Nordic nations.

During his interaction with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Modi presented a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting, an artwork deeply rooted in Rajasthan’s Nathdwara tradition. The painting features lotus filled waters symbolizing peace, purity, and spiritual balance. The gift held particular significance for Finland because of the country’s close cultural connection with lakes, calm landscapes, and nature. The artwork was intended to represent harmony and the shared appreciation for serenity found in both Indian and Finnish traditions.

To Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, Modi gifted a replica of the historic ice axe used by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay during the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Sir Edmund Hillary. Crafted with steel and polished wood, the replica honored resilience, endurance, and exploration. The symbolic gift resonated strongly with Iceland’s identity as a nation connected to glaciers, rugged landscapes, and adventure tourism.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen received a Bidri silver work vase, a famous handicraft originating from the Deccan region of India. Known for its intricate silver inlay and elegant design, the vase reflects centuries old craftsmanship perfected by artisans from Hyderabad and surrounding areas. The gift was considered especially meaningful for Denmark because of the country’s global reputation for design excellence and appreciation for minimalist artistic traditions.

During his Sweden visit, Modi also presented his book “Convenient Action: Continuity for Change” to Crown Princess Victoria. The book outlines perspectives on governance, development, policy continuity, and economic reform, while discussing India’s vision for sustainable growth and modernization.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received multiple gifts highlighting Indian craftsmanship and literature. These included a handcrafted Shantiniketan messenger bag inspired by the artistic philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore. Produced in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, the leather craft carries Geographical Indication protection and supports hundreds of artisans through sustainable livelihoods.

Modi also gifted a collection of Rabindranath Tagore’s literary works, emphasizing India’s cultural and intellectual legacy. Additionally, he presented Loktak tea from Manipur, produced in chemical free community led gardens surrounding Loktak Lake, known for its floating ecosystems and biodiversity.

Another notable gift was a Ladakh Pure Wool Stole, commonly recognized as a Pashmina shawl. Crafted using the fine under fleece of Changthangi goats from the Himalayan plateau, the shawl reflects generations of traditional weaving expertise preserved by local artisans. The handmade textile also represents sustainable production methods and authentic Himalayan craftsmanship.

The exchange of these gifts reflected India’s broader use of cultural diplomacy to strengthen ties with international partners while showcasing the country’s diverse artistic and traditional heritage on the global stage.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated the prestigious Agricola Medal awarded by the Food and Agriculture Organization to India’s farmers, livestock rearers, fishers, agricultural scientists, and millions of workers connected to the country’s farming sector. The recognition was presented during a special ceremony at the FAO headquarters in Rome.

The Agricola Medal, considered one of the highest honours conferred by the FAO, was presented by FAO Director General Qu Dongyu in acknowledgment of Modi’s contribution toward food security, sustainable agriculture, rural welfare, and farmer focused development initiatives.

After receiving the award, Modi expressed gratitude to the international organization and emphasized that the recognition truly belonged to the people powering India’s agriculture ecosystem. He said the honour represented the dedication and hard work of Indian farmers and all those involved in strengthening the country’s food production systems.

The Prime Minister stated that India’s agricultural progress is deeply connected with the broader goals of human welfare, sustainable growth, and food security. He noted that the country remains committed to ensuring long term agricultural development while supporting millions dependent on farming and related sectors.

During his visit to the FAO headquarters, Modi also held discussions with Qu Dongyu regarding global food security challenges, agricultural innovation, and sustainable farming practices. According to officials, the meeting focused on India’s efforts to modernize agriculture through technology driven reforms and measures aimed at improving productivity and rural livelihoods.

The FAO chief praised India’s initiatives under Modi’s leadership, particularly efforts focused on farmer welfare, poverty reduction, and improving agricultural infrastructure. Qu Dongyu highlighted India’s increasing contribution to global food security and acknowledged the country’s support for international efforts to combat hunger and promote sustainable development goals.

The discussions also highlighted India’s growing emphasis on digital innovation within the agriculture sector. The FAO recognized India’s push toward digital public infrastructure during its G20 Presidency, describing it as a major step toward improving access to digital services and technology in developing economies.

Qu Dongyu noted that India’s digital governance initiatives have strengthened service delivery systems and contributed to improving livelihoods while supporting poverty reduction efforts. He also praised the country’s expanding role in sharing digital solutions and agricultural innovation with other developing nations.

The FAO stated that India’s sustained focus on agriculture, welfare schemes, and technology based reforms has significantly strengthened food security and economic opportunities for millions of people across the country.

The Agricola Medal is regarded as one of the FAO’s most prestigious recognitions and is awarded to global leaders who have made notable contributions toward advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development worldwide.

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In a joint article released during PM Modi’s visit to Rome, the two leaders highlighted the rapid expansion of bilateral ties and described the relationship as a “Special Strategic Partnership” grounded in shared principles of freedom, democracy, and a common vision for the future.

The leaders noted that the partnership between India and Italy has gained unprecedented momentum in recent years, evolving from a cordial friendship into a broad-based strategic relationship encompassing trade, defence, technology, energy transition, and industrial cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi shared that both countries are committed to building a future-oriented partnership through sustained political engagement, institutional collaboration, and deeper strategic coordination. He emphasised that the India-Italy relationship now reflects a higher level of mutual trust and long-term geopolitical understanding.

According to the joint article, the changing global order has opened new opportunities for stronger cooperation between democratic nations with complementary strengths. Both leaders stated that India and Italy are well-positioned to jointly address global challenges while shaping future economic and technological trends.

The article underlined that prosperity and security in the 21st century will increasingly depend on innovation, strategic sovereignty, and successful energy transitions. India and Italy agreed to diversify and deepen bilateral engagement by leveraging their respective capabilities in manufacturing, engineering, clean technology, and digital innovation.

The two nations also highlighted plans to create powerful industrial synergies by combining Italy’s globally recognised strengths in design, advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, and supercomputing with India’s rapidly growing economy, engineering talent, startup ecosystem, and scalable innovation capacity.

The leaders described this collaboration not merely as economic integration but as a co-creation of long-term value that strengthens supply chains and industrial resilience for both countries.

Trade and investment emerged as another major pillar of the expanding partnership. PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni reiterated their commitment to achieving and surpassing the 20-billion-Euro bilateral trade target by 2028. They identified clean technologies, renewable energy, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, textiles, tourism, and agri-food as key sectors for future growth.

The leaders also stressed the importance of the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, stating that it would significantly strengthen bilateral trade and investment flows between India and Italy.

Industrial cooperation between businesses from both countries has also accelerated in recent years. The two leaders noted growing Italian interest in manufacturing opportunities in India under the “Make in India” initiative, while Indian companies continue expanding their presence in Italy. More than 1,000 businesses from both sides are now actively contributing to bilateral economic integration and supply chain cooperation.

Technology and innovation were identified as central pillars of the next phase of India-Italy relations. The leaders said emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure would define future cooperation between the two countries.

The strengthening India-Italy partnership is increasingly being viewed as part of a broader strategic alignment between India and Europe amid changing geopolitical realities, economic restructuring, and the global push for resilient supply chains and technology partnerships.

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The two leaders unveiled the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, describing it as a practical and forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The move reflects growing political trust, expanding economic collaboration, and increasing strategic convergence between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Italy is steadily progressing towards the target of 20 billion Euros. He noted that more than 800 Italian companies are actively contributing to India’s economic growth and industrial development, underlining the strong business partnership between the two economies.

Emphasising the cultural and civilisational connection between India and Italy, PM Modi drew parallels between Rome and his parliamentary constituency Kashi, both known as “eternal cities.” He remarked that meetings between two ancient civilizations go beyond formal agendas and reflect shared history, friendship, and future aspirations.

The Indian Prime Minister also praised Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, stating that relations between the two nations have gained new momentum, confidence, and direction over the past few years. Frequent high-level interactions between the two leaders have further strengthened diplomatic coordination and strategic understanding.

Defence and security cooperation emerged as a major pillar of the discussions. Both sides acknowledged deepening collaboration between their defence industries and welcomed progress under the Defence Industrial Roadmap. The roadmap aims to encourage co-development and co-production initiatives between Indian and Italian firms.

As maritime nations, India and Italy also agreed to strengthen cooperation in shipping, port modernisation, logistics, and the blue economy. The leaders recognised the growing importance of maritime connectivity and supply chain resilience in the evolving global landscape.

Counter-terrorism cooperation was another major focus of the talks. PM Modi said India and Italy share a common understanding that terrorism remains a serious threat to humanity. He highlighted the joint initiative by both countries against terror financing, stating that responsible democracies must move beyond condemnation and take concrete action to dismantle financial networks supporting terrorism.

The leaders also outlined a shared economic vision built around innovation, manufacturing, and technology collaboration. PM Modi stated that Italy’s strength in design and precision manufacturing complements India’s scale, talent, and affordable innovation ecosystem. Both countries agreed to work together under the principle of “Design and Develop in India and Italy, Deliver for the World.”

The elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership is expected to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, defence, connectivity, energy, and innovation, while further strengthening India’s engagement with Europe in an increasingly multipolar global order.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed appreciation for the growing global interest in Indian classical dance forms after a group of Italian women performed traditional Indian styles during his visit to Rome. The performance included Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak, showcasing how Indian cultural traditions continue to gain recognition far beyond national borders.

During his visit, five Italian women, including Svamini Atmananda Giri, Martina Meenakshi Argada, Lucrezia Maniscotti, Valeria Vespaziani, and Rosella Fanelli, performed a special presentation titled “Trigalbandi.” The act combined multiple Indian classical styles and was reportedly arranged as a cultural welcome for the Indian Prime Minister in Rome.

PM Modi later shared the performance on social media platform X, noting that it was encouraging to see Indian dance traditions attracting strong international interest. He emphasized that such cultural exchanges reflect the deepening global appreciation for India’s artistic heritage.

One of the performers, Martina Argada, later told reporters that the Prime Minister personally praised their performance and described it as excellent. She also expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy in Rome for facilitating the opportunity to perform in front of him. Another performer, Kathak artist Rosella Fanelli, shared that the experience was highly emotional and memorable, adding that the group hopes to perform in India in the future.

Alongside the cultural interaction, Modi also visited the historic Colosseum in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The ancient amphitheater, completed in 80 AD during the Flavian dynasty, remains one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the world, once capable of hosting around 80,000 spectators for public events and gladiator contests.

Meloni warmly welcomed Modi during his arrival for the final leg of his five nation diplomatic tour, even posting a message on social media calling him a friend. The two leaders also shared a dinner meeting where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between India and Italy.

Modi noted that their discussions covered multiple areas of cooperation and expressed optimism about advancing the India Italy strategic partnership. He is also scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with Meloni and meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella, with expectations of a joint declaration aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

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A fresh “Melodi” moment involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has once again taken over social media platforms, with users celebrating what many described as one of the most amusing diplomatic interactions of the year. During Modi’s latest visit to Italy, the Indian leader surprised Meloni with a packet of Melody toffees, instantly reigniting the internet’s fascination with the duo’s widely popular “Melodi” nickname.

The light-hearted exchange gained momentum after Meloni uploaded a short video on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the clip, both leaders can be seen smiling while jointly displaying the candy packet to the camera. Meloni enthusiastically described the sweet as “a very, very good toffee,” before Modi playfully disclosed its name, “Melody.” The simple interaction immediately became viral content across digital platforms.

While posting the video online, Meloni thanked Modi for the thoughtful present, further fueling online discussions. Social media users quickly connected the gift with the already trending “Melodi” nickname, a term created by internet users by blending the surnames of Modi and Meloni. The phrase has repeatedly surfaced during their appearances together at international meetings and global events.

Modi is currently completing the final phase of his five-country diplomatic journey, which has also included stops in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. His Italy visit has particularly attracted online attention because of the friendly public chemistry shared between the two leaders.

The internet reacted almost instantly after the video surfaced. One social media user joked that the “Melodi” trend had now officially become reality, while another humorously described the interaction as the year’s best accidental marketing campaign involving two world leaders and an inexpensive candy. Several users also posted messages celebrating the duo’s cheerful friendship and relaxed diplomatic style.

The clip continues to circulate widely online, with countless users praising it as a refreshing and entertaining moment amid high-level international diplomacy.

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