Modi's hug with Putin sparks debate amid Ukraine conflict
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar spoke about the reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm welcome by Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Moscow. This event sparked controversy, particularly from the perspective of Ukraine and Western countries that support Kyiv in the war against Russia.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on July 8-9 in Moscow. Both leaders discussed important issues concerning cooperation, and the exchange of hugs between Modi and Putin was widely commented on in the media.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, where a warm welcome was exchanged with President Vladimir Putin.
Jaishankar's statement was in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's reaction, in which he expressed his disappointment that Modi warmly embraced Putin.
"In our region, people greet each other with hugs"
During a press conference, Jaishankar noted that gestures such as hugs are an integral part of Indian culture.
In our part of the world, when people meet people, they are given to embrace each other. It may not be a part of your culture, but I assure you it's part of ours - Jaishankar emphasized.
The Indian Foreign Minister also added that Prime Minister Modi always strives to establish a personal connection with other leaders. Hugs are a part of his diplomatic style, which aims to build and maintain friendly relations. He also emphasized that Prime Minister Modi uses the same gestures towards all leaders, regardless of nationality or political stance.
Several weeks after his visit to Russia, Modi visited Ukraine, where he met with Zelensky. Interestingly, during this meeting, there was also an exchange of hugs, highlighting the consistency in the Indian Prime Minister's behaviour.
The whole situation shows how cultural differences can impact international relations and how natural and common gestures in one country can be perceived completely differently in other parts of the world.
For India, where warmth and hospitality are key cultural elements, a hug expresses respect and goodwill. However, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, such a gesture can be interpreted as a political signal, raising concerns in Kyiv.
