On World Hug day, a look at Modi's hug diplomacy with world leaders

Special gestures and warm hugs come easy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has made it a habit of embracing world leaders when he meets them on special occasions. Here are some prominent Heads of State he has hugged, not to forget the now-famous Rahul-Modi hug

Getting along with Shinzo Abe

PM Modi visited Japan in October 2018 for the 13th India-Japan Summit. The customary hug a la Modi was followed by informal talks at Abe's holiday home and a private dinner. While the summit began a couple of days later, Modi had already set the tone for the talks

Twitter pals

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and PM Modi have been on friendly terms for some time, with Modi wishing Ghani on his birthday on Twitter and getting a prompt reply from the President. This was a warm hug shared by the two leaders when Modi visited Afghanistan in 2016

Modi's 'special friend'

Not many were surprised when Modi welcomed his special friend the Crown prince of Abu Dhabi with his customary hug on Feb 10, 2019 as he arrived in New Delhi. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was received by the prime minister at the airport and the two are likely to sign several key agreements in the coming days.

Breaking protocol

In March 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron visited India. As he climbed down the aircraft he was enveloped in a bear hug by Modi. The PM broke protocol to receive Macron and the gesture once again set the tone for the four-day visit.

The Trudeau hug

In February of 2018, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited India for a week. This time, the hug was a bit late in coming. Surprisingly, Modi did not meet Trudeau at the airport but he did hug him and his three children later when he met them on the sixth day of their visit. Trudeau spent a leisurely week in India

Hugging strongman Putin

In October 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on a short two-day visit and was welcomed with Modi's bear hug but not on the tarmac this time. India bought the $5-billion S-400 air defence missile system during this visit

Close friends

In January 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited India. Hugs and handshakes followed in Modi's trademark style. Netanyahu and Modi have developed a close relationship over the course of their meetings. Modi even tweeted the following Message in Hebrew: "Welcome to India, my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu.  Your visit to India is historic and special.  This visit will strengthen the close ties between our countries."

Best friends forever

Former US President Barack Obama and PM Modi have met at least eight times and have forged a deep bond. Modi has been lavish with his hugs. The duo have met even after Obama's term was over as US President and he visited India for a townhall for the foundation he runs along with wife Michelle Obama

Rahul's public display of affection

In July 2018, Rahul Gandhi stole the show from PM Modi when he took the initiative to hug the prime minister in Parliament after a fiery speech. Right after his speech at the end of the no-confidence debate Rahul promptly went and hugged the PM, beating him at his own game.The public display of affection made headlines and the hug became famous