“Where I live if someone gives you a hug, it’s from the heart,” said famous wildlife lover Steve Irwin. This sentiment resonates deeply with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to international diplomacy.
In the meticulous world of global politics, where every gesture is analysed, Modi has introduced a distinctive element: the hug. This seemingly straightforward act has become a hallmark of his diplomatic style, stirring both admiration and debate across the global arena. To truly grasp the significance of Modi’s “hug diplomacy,” it is essential to explore the cultural, historical, and diplomatic contexts that frame this gesture.
On July 9, 2024, when Modi embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, it provoked concern from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Indian Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in response, defended his Prime Minister by stating,
“In our part of the world, when people meet, they embrace. It may not be a part of your culture, but I assure you, it is part of ours.”
This statement encapsulates the cultural bridge that Modi’s hugs aim to build, while also highlighting the occasional misunderstandings they provoke.
In India, the act of embracing, known as ‘Aalingan’, is deeply ingrained in cultural and spiritual traditions. It is not merely a form of greeting but a profound expression of trust, respect, and connection that transcends verbal communication. This practice is rooted in ancient Indian epics and spiritual texts.
In the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, the embrace between Lord Rama and Hanuman signifies not just friendship but a deep spiritual bond. Similarly, in the Mahabharata, the god Krishna’s embraces with his friends and devotees are depicted as acts of divine love, emphasising the spiritual depth of physical connection.
‘Aalingan’ extends beyond religious texts into daily Indian life, where it is a common form of greeting among family members and close friends, symbolising affection, comfort, and the strengthening of bonds.
While Modi’s hugs are rooted in Indian tradition, the act of embracing as a form of greeting or expressing kindness is not unique to India. Throughout history and across various cultures, this action has played significant roles in social and diplomatic interactions.
In ancient Greece, the concept of aspasmós referred to a greeting that often included an embrace. The Greeks, known for their emphasis on personal relationships and philosophical discourse, understood the power of physical connection in fostering mutual understanding. In Greek literature, this contact often signifies an emotional reunion or reconciliation between former enemies, such as the embrace between Odysseus and Penelope in the *Odyssey*.
The Romans also recognised the importance of physical gestures in both personal and diplomatic contexts. The Latin terms amplexus (embrace) and complexus (entwining) were used to describe close physical contact that conveyed sincerity and built trust. The celebrated “Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs,” depicting the four Roman co-emperors in a mutual embrace, is a testament to this custom.
In the Middle Ages, the “kiss of peace” or Pax was a common greeting among European nobility and clergy, often accompanied by an embrace. Rooted in early Christian traditions, this practice expressed unity and reconciliation within the community.
Even in cultures where physical contact is generally more reserved, there are historical instances of embraces being used in diplomatic contexts. A notable example is the “socialist fraternal kiss” between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker in 1979, an iconic image of Cold War diplomacy.
Against this rich historical backdrop, Modi’s embraces take on a deeper significance. They are not merely spontaneous displays of affection but calculated diplomatic moves that merge ancient traditions with modern international relations.
In the often cold and formal world of geopolitics, where interactions are guided by strict protocols, touch serves as a disruptive force. It humanises interactions, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of intimacy that few other diplomatic gestures can achieve.
When Modi embraces a world leader, he sends a clear message: India values personal connections, and relationships are built on more than just agreements and treaties. This approach aligns with India’s broader diplomatic strategy, which emphasises soft power and cultural diplomacy as key tools in its international relations.
To dismiss these hugs as mere quirks or cultural misunderstandings would be to underestimate their strategic significance. In a world where geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines, these embraces symbolise unity and shared humanity.
Modi’s embraces have become a unique form of non-verbal communication in his diplomatic toolkit. They convey warmth where words might fail, break the ice in tense situations, and reinforce the strength of existing relationships. In some instances, they have even become newsworthy events, drawing attention to India’s diplomatic engagements and the Prime Minister’s brand of leadership.
Moreover, these hugs reflect India’s aspirations on the global stage. As India seeks to position itself as a bridge between East and West, North and South, Modi’s hugs symbolise the country’s ability to connect diverse cultures and political systems.
Despite the criticisms, the enduring popularity and discussion surrounding Modi’s hugs underscore a fundamental truth about human interaction: physical connection matters. A simple embrace can carry profound meaning in a world increasingly dominated by digital communication and remote interactions.
As the ancient Greeks and Romans understood, and as Indian tradition has long emphasised, physical gestures can convey what words often cannot. They can build trust, foster goodwill, and create lasting impressions in ways that formal speeches or written agreements cannot.
After all, as Charles Caleb Colton once said, “A hug is worth a thousand words.”
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Contributing Author: Anurag Punetha is a senior journalist and Media Head of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Based in New Delhi, India.
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