One hug at a time! PM Narendra Modi’s taking over the world with his embrace

PM Narendra Modi is known for hugging world leaders. And while an embrace is welcomed by most, not all countries have the same hugging etiquette. So, if you are planning to travel the world, it would do you well to know the norm at your destination.

UAE
In the Middle Eastern region, close male friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks. Shaking hands is also acceptable and it usually lasts longer but is less firm than the handshakes in the West. The hug between Modi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan looks comfortable. Both giver and receiver seem to be on the same etiquette page.


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, hugs Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi, India. (Image: AP)

Grip-o-meter: 5/5

RUSSIA
Russians are demonstrative people, so hugs for a dear friend are acceptable. Backslapping and kisses on the cheeks are also fine. Vladimir Putin and Modi share a moment, which is normal given that they are comfortable with the idea of an embrace.


Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hug in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Image: AP)

Grip-o-meter: 5/5

USA
In the US, it is normal for men to shake hands when they meet. It is unusual for them to go in for a hug, especially during the first meeting. But Modi goes all out — or rather, around. He engulfs Trump in a two-arm hug, complete wit h closed eyes so you know it is a whole-hearted gesture. Trump, on the other hand, seems to be caught off guard. But no worries, he got progressively more comfortable when he was hugged twice more.


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs President Donald Trump as Modi departs the White House in Washington. U.S. (Image: AP)

Grip-o-meter: 3/5

FRANCE
Hugging doesn’t have much of a place in the land of air kisses — a firm handshake does just fine, even with friends. And the French don’t even have a proper word for hug (the closest you can get is embrace) so Modi’s greeting would have surprised Emmanuel Macron, who offers the PM a side hug. However, this is far better than the one Modi shared with former president François Hollande.


French President Emmanuel Macron, left, is hugged by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. (Image: AP)

Grip-o-meter: 4/5

JAPAN
In Japan,the common greeting for men and women is to bow. Which is why Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe looks caught off guard. While Modi firmly grips the PM, Abe seems to struggle, but laughs off the awkward embrace.


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, is welcomed by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe upon arrival at State Guest House in Kyoto, western Japan. (Image: AP)

Grip-o-meter: 2/5

MEXICO
Mexicans are not big on hugging. Often, when meeting someone for the first time, they will shake hands or give a slight bow when introduced — which makes it clear why President Enrique Peña Nieto looks awkward with the hug coming his way. Modi is all for sharing the Indian warmth, but Nieto seems ill at ease, maybe because Mexican etiquette demands keeping political counterparts at an arm’s length.


Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, left, hugs Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, in Mexico City. (Image: AP)

Grip-o-meter: 1/5