Ever since he became the Indian prime minister about eight months ago, Narendra Modi has been on a "charm offensive" with world leaders, as the breathless Indian media have put it. He has made trips to Australia and Brazil for global summits besides dropping by several nations for state visits. His “relaxed rapport” with other state heads has drawn cheers at home, but sometimes the camaraderie has taken cringeworthy forms.
When Barack Obama arrived in Delhi on Saturday for a short state visit, for instance, Modi greeted the US president with a hearty handshake, a bear hug and another handshake. "Then he got ahold of the U.S. president’s right hand with his left and held on for an unusually long time," reported the Wall Street Journal.
Here are a few videos of Modi greeting other world leaders.
Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President
In July, Modi travelled to Brazil to attend a summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations. Greeted by Rousseff, Modi gave a demonstration of his steely grip and that never-let-me-go handshake.
Vladimir Putin, Russian President
The handshake made a strong comeback when Vladimir Putin came visiting.
Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister
In August, Modi went to Japan on a state visit, giving such memories as his statement to a temple priest: “I am Modi and you are Mori.” Here he is seen greeting Abe with some composure.
Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier
In mid-September, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping visited Modi's home state of Gujarat. The “charm offensive” was on display as they met.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Modi attended the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year. As UN General Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Modi met, a lot of vigorous handshaking ensued.
Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister
While in Australia for the G20 summit, the Indian prime minister gave a demonstration of Aussie mateyness. Greeted by Abbott, Modi gave him a few boisterous slaps on the back.
Barack Obama, United States President
Obama was the first US president to be invited as chief guest at the India’s Republic Day parade. As he landed at Palam Airport, Modi broke protocol and went to receive him. The two renewed their bromance. And yes, there was some backslapping.
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
When Barack Obama arrived in Delhi on Saturday for a short state visit, for instance, Modi greeted the US president with a hearty handshake, a bear hug and another handshake. "Then he got ahold of the U.S. president’s right hand with his left and held on for an unusually long time," reported the Wall Street Journal.
Here are a few videos of Modi greeting other world leaders.
Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President
In July, Modi travelled to Brazil to attend a summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations. Greeted by Rousseff, Modi gave a demonstration of his steely grip and that never-let-me-go handshake.
Vladimir Putin, Russian President
The handshake made a strong comeback when Vladimir Putin came visiting.
Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister
In August, Modi went to Japan on a state visit, giving such memories as his statement to a temple priest: “I am Modi and you are Mori.” Here he is seen greeting Abe with some composure.
Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier
In mid-September, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping visited Modi's home state of Gujarat. The “charm offensive” was on display as they met.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Modi attended the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year. As UN General Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Modi met, a lot of vigorous handshaking ensued.
Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister
While in Australia for the G20 summit, the Indian prime minister gave a demonstration of Aussie mateyness. Greeted by Abbott, Modi gave him a few boisterous slaps on the back.
Barack Obama, United States President
Obama was the first US president to be invited as chief guest at the India’s Republic Day parade. As he landed at Palam Airport, Modi broke protocol and went to receive him. The two renewed their bromance. And yes, there was some backslapping.
