An awkward kiss, a ‘Melodi moment’, a missing ‘bear hug’: 7 viral moments from G7 Summit

Posted on by Taiwo Adebulu

Leaders of the world’s most powerful nation convened in France this week for the 52nd G7 summit. The two most important outcomes were perhaps US President Donald Trump offering his quid-pro-quo support to Ukraine and the signing of the Iran war truce in West Asia. While the summit was conducted in all seriousness, it had its moments of awkwardness and fun. Here are seven moments from the three-day event, which the internet decided, should go viral.

First up, the ‘Melodi’ moment that almost broke the internet in India. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, the latter remarked: “It’s good to see you again.” At that moment, French President mentioned how famous they were on Instagram, prompting Meloni to quip: “We are the most famous couple of the world.”

Modi-Trump handshake and a missing ‘bear hug’

PM Modi and US President Trump met for the first time in 16 months and the former’s ‘bear hug’ reserved for world leaders was conspicuous by its absence. The absence of the warm optics after a strain in US-India relations over tariffs was not lost on the internet.

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Instead, the two leaders shared a brief handshake and exchanged smiles. However, Trump later was full of praises for Modi, calling him a “tough negotiator”. Both moments went viral.

Modi’s ‘helping hand’ for Trump

During a photo session at the G7, Trump seemed to need a little support in stepping onto the podium. Modi immediately extended his hand and helped the US president up. The image of the ‘global power dynamics’ quickly gained traction online.

Modi’s joke that went unnoticed

An awkward moment unfolded for Modi when he tried to crack what appeared to be a joke, but no one laughed. During a photo session, the photographer asked all the leaders if they were ready. To this, Modi replies: “We are always ready,” and laughs. However, none of the leaders seemed to notice and did not react. The moment was widely shared.

The awkward Zelenskyy-Meloni ‘kiss’

Another awkward moment at the G7 was caught on camera when Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Italy PM Giorgia Meloni met. Both hugged and moved in for a kiss on the cheek as is customary in the West. However, this was precisely when things turned awkward as both turned the same direction.

Meloni’s ‘quit smoking’ on hot mic 

The world leaders were again caught on the mic while talking on the sideline of the summit. Italian PM Meloni shared with world leaders that she had to get some coffee to wake up in the morning. At this, German Chancellor Friedrich Merch chimed in with, “…and a cigarette?” However, Meloni told them that she had quit smoking a month ago. President of the European Council Antonio Costa also said that he had quit 21 years ago and never gone back.

Trump’s ‘boss’ moment

US President Trump walked into the room where world leaders and CEOs of business giants were sitting for the roundtable conference on the final day of the G7 Summit. And a few moments later, left the room in splits with his remark. He introduced himself to the room as: “I am the boss.” The clip was quickly shared across the internet.

 

 

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