Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has gone viral after greeting former US President Donald Trump with a traditional Indian Namaste at the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt. The video of the moment quickly spread across social media, with users praising the gesture as a graceful nod to Indian culture in a global diplomatic setting.

 

The incident took place at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, where more than 30 world leaders convened to discuss the Gaza conflict. Meloni's folded-hand greeting drew admiration online, with many describing it as a refreshing display of soft diplomacy.simple gesture, a strong message: Meloni greets Trump with a Namaste - showing that diplomacy doesn't always need handshakes," one user wrote. Another remarked, "She's now doing Namaste everywhere," while others playfully added, "Even Indian gestures are going global." Some netizens dubbed it the "Melodi team effect," a lighthearted reference to the growing friendship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni.

 

Trump's comment draws mixed reactions While Meloni's Namaste earned praise, Trump's remarks about her at the summit sparked controversy. Known for his spontaneous statements, Trump referred to Meloni as "a beautiful young woman," admitting that such comments are often considered politically risky."We have a young woman leader here... I'm not supposed to say this because it usually ends your career - but she's a beautiful young woman," Trump said, turning to Meloni. "You don't mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are."

 

Meloni, 48, the only female leader among 30 attendees, appeared slightly uncomfortable but smiled politely. Online, many criticized Trump's remarks as outdated and inappropriate, with some calling them "sexist" and "tone-deaf."

 

A lighter exchange with Erdoğan and Macron

 

Another viral clip from the summit captured a humorous exchange between Meloni, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Erdoğan teased Meloni about her smoking habit, saying, "I saw you getting off the plane - - you look great, but I need to make you stop smoking." Macron interjected jokingly, "That's impossible!"

 

Laughing, Meloni responded, "I knowknow... I don't want to kill somebody," hinting that quitting might affect her social interactions.