Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended his hugs with world leaders, saying he is just a common man who was unaware of protocols. Modi also noted that his openness has been well appreciated by world leaders, and it was his nature to convert adversities into opportunities.
"I do not know all the protocols as I am a common man. The openness of this common man is liked by the world. Friendly relations come in handy," Modi said in a TV interview.
He added: "Had I been trained like others ... I too would have followed those protocols of looking right and left, had shaken hands. But I am an ordinary person ... I only try to ensure that no harm ever happens to my country (due to this)."
When asked how he feels standing next to world leaders, Modi said his "only feeling is that it is not Narendra Modi who is standing there but the representative of 1.25 billion people."
Modi's comments come just days after he was mocked by the Congress over his hugs. On Monday, the Congress uploaded a video on microblogging site Twitter that showed Modi hugging several world leaders. “With Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more #hugplomacy,” the Congress said in a tweet.
The video that accompanied the tweet showed the Prime Minister hugging US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former French President Francois Hollande.
“It’s official – Modi is awkward”, the video said.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Modi has been mocked for going in for a hug while meeting international leaders. Quite a number of people, including body language experts, have come forward claiming Modi needs a lesson on respecting the other person's personal space.
Modi is not the only politician whose body gestures have caught the attention of international media. Trump has also been called out for his "grab and yank" handshake technique, which many claim shows his arrogant nature.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event