'Namaste Goes Global' As Italy PM Meloni Welcomes G7 Guests In Desi Style; Internet In Awe Of Her Gesture

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is hosting this year’s Group of Seven (G7) meeting, was seen doing a namaste gesture while welcoming prominent leaders for the summit.

In several videos that have gone viral on social media platform X, Meloni can be seen doing a namaste gesture to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while greeting them.

The videos have gained widespread attention, with ‘namaste’ trending on the microblogging site.

Many users on X, reacted to the Italian Prime Minister’s namaste gesture and commended her action.

“Namaste goes Global. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni greets guests of the G7 summit with Namaste,” a user wrote.

Another commented, “Sanskaari Kanya ❤️ using namaste for swaagat.”

“That’s such a nice gesture. It shows our culture being celebrated,” a user shared.

Meanwhile, a user offered a scientific explanation for the namaste gesture.

“It is the most scientific way to greet, when we say I bow to the god in you. No transfer of bacteria from one hand to another, while shaking your hand,” the user said.

G7 in Italy, PM Modi To Attend

Leaders from the G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States – are meeting for a three-day summit from June 13 to 15 to discuss global affairs in the southern Italian region of Puglia (Apulia).

Prime Minister Modi has also departed for the summit in Italy on Thursday.

“I will be attending the G7 Summit in Italy. I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving lives of people,” PM Modi had shared earlier today.

The G7 Summit, being held at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in nearby Fasano, marks PM Modi’s first foreign visit since winning a third term in the recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha election.