PM Modi pens foreword for Giorgia Meloni’s memoir, calls it her ‘Mann Ki Baat’

PM Modi, in the foreword, recollected the many global leaders he met in the last 11 years

Taking a cue from his own radio broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the central theme of his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni’s autobiography as her own “Mann Ki Baat”.

Modi has penned the foreword for the Indian edition of ‘I am Giorgia -- My Roots, My Principles’ (Rupa Publications), with the book slated to be launched soon.

In the foreword of the book, PM Modi wrote that it has been a “great” honour for him to have written it and that he was doing so with “respect, admiration and friendship” for Meloni, according to a report by The Indian Express. Modi further stated that he considers Meloni a “patriot and outstanding contemporary leader”.

PM Modi, in the foreword, recollected the many global leaders he met in the last 11 years – each with a different life journey and how their stories reflect something deeper than what meets the eye.

“Prime Minister Meloni’s life and leadership remind us of these timeless truths… It will be well received (in India) as a refreshing story of an outstanding contemporary political leader and a patriot… Her belief in defending one’s cultural heritage, while engaging with the world on equal terms, mirrors our own values,” Modi wrote, according to the report.

Modi also mentioned more than once how Meloni’s “inspiring and historic” journey resonated deeply with Indians, noting that the autobiography would go well among the Indian readers.

Originally published in 2021 during her years in opposition, Giorgia Meloni’s memoir soon became a bestseller. Its American edition, released in June 2025, featured a foreword by US President’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, who emphasised her “working-class” roots and her patriotic outlook.

In the book, Meloni revisits the hurdles she faced -- from criticism as a single mother to campaigning while expecting a child -- while underscoring the themes of identity and resilience that define her politics.

India-Italy ties

The ties between India and Italy improved majorly after Meloni’s state visit to New Delhi in 2023 – months after she won the election. A major outcome from her visit was the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership.