- By Ajeet Kumar
- Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Meloni revealed quitting smoking, earning applause from leaders.
- Leaders discussed football, Trump talked UFC, Macron lost watch.
- Modi and Meloni joked about "Melodi" viral Instagram fame.
While world leaders at the G7 Summit focused on major issues such as global conflicts, trade, energy security and the future of the world economy, a series of hot mic moments offered a glimpse into the lighter and more personal side of diplomacy.
Away from formal speeches and carefully crafted statements, microphones captured candid conversations about smoking, football, birthday celebrations, missing watches and even social media fame.
One of the most talked-about exchanges involved Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As leaders gathered ahead of a meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz casually asked Meloni whether she had smoked a cigarette that morning.
Italy's Meloni says she quit smoking at G7 Summit. pic.twitter.com/Z3NFztqS6m
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 16, 2026
Quit smoking a month ago: Meloni's confession
Meloni surprised those around her by revealing that she had not smoked “since the first of May.” Her announcement was met with applause from several leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and senior European Union officials.
Clearly pleased by the recognition, Meloni raised both hands in celebration. Carney then jokingly asked whether she was using a nicotine patch, drawing laughter from the group.
FIFA football finds its way
Football also became an unexpected topic of conversation at the summit. With the FIFA World Cup currently being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, leaders enthusiastically discussed recent football results during an informal lunch gathering.
Cheers of “Allez les Bleus!” were heard in support of France, while another leader praised Paris Saint-Germain’s recent Champions League triumph. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also highlighted Cape Verde’s surprising goalless draw against reigning world champions Spain, calling the result “quite remarkable.”
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, shifted the discussion to mixed martial arts, speaking enthusiastically about UFC president Dana White following a recent UFC event hosted at the White House.
Meloni looks like she wants off the planet as Trump rants and raves at length to G7 leaders about UFC pic.twitter.com/JiZFPENYQn
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 16, 2026
Another moment that attracted attention involved a brief exchange between Trump and European Council President António Costa. During the conversation, Trump was overheard saying, “You understand?” before adding a single word: “Greenland.” The remainder of the discussion was inaudible, sparking speculation due to Trump’s long-standing interest in the Danish autonomous territory.
ALSO READ: PM Modi-Trump Crucial Meet Today In France; Trade Deal, Energy Push And West Asia Tensions On Table
The summit also produced a humorous moment involving French President Emmanuel Macron. As leaders prepared for lunch, Mark Carney noticed Macron had apparently left his watch behind. “We’ve got his watch,” Carney joked, prompting Trump to respond, “Give me it if he left it,” drawing laughter from those nearby.
Perhaps the most viral interaction came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni greeted each other before the traditional family photograph. Referring to their popularity online and the viral “Melodi” trend, Modi mentioned Instagram, to which Meloni replied with a smile: “Yes, we are the most famous on Instagram,” triggering laughter among those present.