During his visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines with a warm hug shared with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their handshake. This embrace, seen as a gesture of solidarity with the leader of a nation ravaged by war, came just weeks after PM Modi similarly hugged Russian President Vladimir Putin, the key figure on the opposing side of the Ukraine conflict.
This diplomatic gesture sparked questions, particularly from Western media, about the implications of Modi’s “hug diplomacy.” External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar was quick to address these concerns during a press briefing. When asked about the significance of Modi’s embrace of both Putin and Zelenskyy, Jaishankar emphasized the cultural context behind such gestures.
“In our part of the world, when people meet, they are given to embracing each other. It may not be part of your culture, but I can assure you it is part of ours,” Jaishankar stated. He pointed out that this is a common courtesy in India and has been observed in Modi’s interactions with many world leaders across different contexts. Jaishankar added, “I think we have a slight cultural gap here in terms of what these courtesies mean.”
Modi’s embrace of Putin in July also drew attention, especially given the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During his meeting with Putin, Modi stressed that a resolution to the conflict could not be achieved on the battlefield and emphasized the futility of seeking peace amid ongoing violence.
India’s stance, as reiterated in these high-level meetings, remains consistent: Russia and Ukraine must engage in dialogue to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Modi’s talks with Zelenskyy, which took place under the looming presence of war, further underscored India’s call for diplomatic engagement over continued hostilities.
Jaishankar’s comments highlight India’s distinct diplomatic style, where cultural expressions like hugging are seen as extensions of goodwill and respect, rather than political statements. As Modi continues to navigate complex international relations, his “hug diplomacy” remains a reflection of India’s unique approach to global engagement.
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