On September 29, 2025, a unique literary and diplomatic moment unfolded as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned the foreword to the Indian edition of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s memoir, I Am Giorgia — My Roots, My Principles. The gesture, which bridges continents and cultures, is not just a testament to the personal rapport between two world leaders but also an emblem of shared values and aspirations that transcend national boundaries.
According to The Times of India, Modi’s foreword is more than a ceremonial note—it’s a reflection on leadership, resilience, and the enduring power of heritage. "I am delighted that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is penning her autobiography, I Am Giorgia. Over the last 11 years, I have had the privilege of engaging with many world leaders, each with a different life journey. At times, their journeys transcend personal stories and speak to something larger. They remind us of ideals that have endured across cultures and centuries. Prime Minister Meloni has several such instances in her accomplished life, making this book very special," Modi wrote, as reported by ANI.
Meloni’s memoir, originally published in Italy and now set for an Indian release by Rupa Publications, offers a candid account of her life—from her childhood in Rome’s Garbatella neighborhood to her rise as Italy’s first female prime minister. The book delves into her family’s profound influence, especially her mother Anna, sister Arianna, and grandparents Maria and Gianni, and doesn’t shy away from the pain of her father’s absence. It also traces her early passion for politics, her journey through the ranks of Fratelli d’Italia and the European Conservatives, and her eventual ascent to Italy’s highest political office.
In his foreword, Modi draws a direct line between Meloni’s story and the Indian concept of 'Nari Shakti,' or the divine feminine energy. "There are various ways to understand as well as appreciate Prime Minister Meloni's rise and leadership. Among those, I can see a strong connection between her story and the concept of Nari Shakti, the divine feminine energy that has been venerated in Indic traditions for thousands of years in many forms," he writes. This connection, Modi suggests, is not just philosophical but personal—anchoring the friendship between the two leaders and their nations.
Modi further highlights the shared civilizational instincts that form the "bedrock" of his personal friendship with Meloni. "We are bound by shared civilizational instincts like the defence of heritage, the strength of community and the celebration of womanhood as a guiding force. Our nations are joined in spirit by a respect for tradition and an embrace of modernity. This is the bedrock of my own personal friendship with Prime Minister Meloni," he notes in the book, according to The Times of India.
This camaraderie has not gone unnoticed in the public sphere. In 2023, social media was abuzz with the hashtag #Melodi after Meloni shared a selfie with Modi during the COP28 summit in Dubai—a playful blend of their names that captured imaginations and headlines alike. The viral moment, which Modi himself responded to, was emblematic of the warmth between the two leaders and their ability to connect with audiences well beyond the confines of diplomatic protocol.
The relationship between Modi and Meloni has continued to flourish in 2025. Earlier this month, the two leaders held a telephone conversation, exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Meloni also took the opportunity to extend her wishes to Modi on his 75th birthday, commending his leadership and dedication to India’s development. Such gestures, while symbolic, underscore the depth of the personal and political ties that have developed between the two leaders.
Modi’s admiration for Meloni is evident throughout his foreword. He describes her as a "patriot and outstanding contemporary leader" whose journey "mirrors Indian values and would resonate with readers." He goes on to call her autobiography her "Mann Ki Baat," a nod to his own popular radio address, and expresses his honor in contributing to the book. "I do so with respect, admiration and friendship for Prime Minister Meloni," Modi writes, adding that her "inspiring and historic" journey would be "well received in India as a refreshing story of an outstanding contemporary political leader," as reported by India Today.
Meloni’s memoir is not just a political document; it’s a deeply personal narrative. She writes with characteristic candor about her struggles and aspirations, her faith, her identity, and her vision for Italy and Europe. The book also explores her relationship with her partner Andrea and their daughter Ginevra, offering readers an intimate portrait of a leader whose rise has captured international attention.
For Modi, Meloni’s story is a reminder of "timeless truths"—the importance of resilience, the value of staying rooted in one’s heritage, and the need to engage with the world on equal terms. "Her belief in defending one’s cultural heritage while engaging with the world on equal terms mirrors our own values," he observes. This sentiment is particularly resonant in a world where leaders are often called upon to balance tradition with the demands of modernity.
The Indian edition of I Am Giorgia is set to be launched soon, and anticipation is building among readers and observers alike. The memoir promises not just to illuminate the life of one of Europe’s most prominent leaders but also to offer insights into the evolving relationship between India and Italy—a relationship increasingly defined by mutual respect, shared values, and a recognition of the power of personal connection in international affairs.
As the book prepares to hit Indian shelves, it stands as a testament to the influence of narrative in bridging cultures and fostering understanding. Through the words of both Meloni and Modi, readers are invited to reflect on the journeys that shape leaders—and the ideals that bind nations together, even across oceans and continents.
In the end, the collaboration between Modi and Meloni on this memoir is more than a literary footnote; it’s a powerful statement about the enduring relevance of heritage, the strength of community, and the celebration of womanhood in a rapidly changing world.
