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| Modi made headlines all over the world for his hugs and not all of them were flattering, the Washington Post article noted. |
June 7, 2016, NewCrunch
On Monday, a day before Modi was to arrive at the White House Washington Post warned Obama that the Indian Prime Minister, a hugger of global proportions, was on his way.
The article, an 'analysis' by Adam Taylor was titled provocatively - The impressively awkward hugs and handshakes of India’s Narendra Modi
The main contention of the article was that Modi suffered from an 'impressively awkward physicality'.
Modi had become well-known for his vigorous hugs and handshakes, which had caught the other world leaders by surprise. He made headlines all over the world for his hugs and not all of them were flattering, the Washington Post article noted.
Adam Taylor went on to list many incidents to show how Modi had turned diplomacy into a contact sport.
1) Modi's vice-like grip left a clear imprint on Prince William's hand when he visited India.
2) Handshakes were an exception and Modi was known more for his hugs, Washington Post noted in the same breath. It published photos of Modi giving bear hugs to Japanese Abe, American Kerry, Malasian Razak and Australian Abbot.
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| Modi's vice-like grip left a clear imprint on Prince William's hand when he visited India. |
4) Germany's Merkel had appeared to snub Modi's extended hand but wanted only to exchange pleasantries before the national flags of the respective countries.
5) He controversially appeared to move aside Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was blocking the cameras.
The article also noted Modi's love for selfies and style, which made him wear a suit with golden embroidered letters, which spelt - Narendra Damodardas Modi.
So, why does Modi hug the way he does. Washington Post quoted an Indian expert, who said, it was Modi's way of signalling that he was an equal, a friend and a very affectionate man.