The G7 summit brings together world leaders to tackle global crises, but it also gives spectators the best look into unguarded and human moments of our political leaders. Some of these moments were caught on the hot mics, and offer us a rare glimpse into the private dynamics between presidents and prime ministers.
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From Giorgia Meloni's viral "most famous couple on Instagram" joke with PM Modi to her confession about quitting smoking, and from Emmanuel Macron's candid remarks about Donald Trump, to a cryptic reference to Greenland, here are the key hot mic moments from the summit.
Meloni to PM Modi: 'We are the most famous couple on Instagram'
In one of the most talked-about moments, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni crossed paths with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaders gathered for the traditional family photograph .
"Nice to meet you again!" Meloni told PM Modi with a smile. When PM Modi appeared to mention Instagram, Meloni said: "Yes, we are the most famous couple on Instagram" .
The exchange revived the "Melodi" phenomenon, a blend of their surnames, that began when Meloni posted a selfie with PM Modi at COP28 in 2023. During PM Modi's visit to Rome last month, he presented Meloni with a packet of Melody chocolates, a playful nod to the craze. The video crossed 100 million views within six hours.
Macron's 'difficult' Trump talks
French President Emmanuel Macron was caught on a hot mic telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he had a "difficult discussion" with Trump ahead of key talks on Ukraine .
"Yesterday we had a difficult discussion with President Trump," Macron told Zelenskyy as they walked through the grounds of the Hotel Royal .
Macron encouraged Zelenskyy to stay longer at the summit, but the Ukrainian leader said he needed to travel to Brussels. Macron then asked if Zelenskyy had a bilateral meeting with Trump arranged. When Zelenskyy said he had not, Macron replied: "Okay, I will arrange that".
Meloni's smoking confession
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed she had quit smoking since May 1 in a hot mic exchange with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz .
