From their warm hug at the airport to the one-on-one discussion over tea at Hyderabad House, a personal chemistry was at work between United States President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a departure from protocol, Modi drove to the airport to greet the US president and his wife, Michelle. Their warmth was visible as Obama held Modi’s hand several times during the ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and patted his back.
Later Modi and Obama walked in the gardens of Hyderabad House. This was after the two leaders had met for lunch and held discussions on a series of issues, including civil nuclear deal, between the two countries.
Seated under a shamiana, the talk over tea was seen as a reflection of increasing bonhomie between the two leaders. Modi was seen pouring tea for Obama and handing it over to him. Both the leaders went indoors with Obama’s hand on Modi’s back.
In fact, in his address to the press, the US president thanked Modi for hosting him and Michelle for the second time and added that he loved “chai pe charcha” on the lawns of the Hyderabad House when the two leaders discussed key issues without aides.
Obama’s reference to “chai pe charcha” was an allusion to Modi’s successful campaign component ahead of the Lok Sabha polls when he addressed gatherings over a cup of tea to highlight his humble beginning as a tea seller.
In reply to a question, Modi stressed on the importance of chemistry between him and Obama and how he can pick up the phone and crack a joke with “Barack”. The prime minister said personal chemistry was an important element in the development of ties between the two countries.
In response, Obama also remarked: “During talks, we compared the amount of time we get. It seems Modi gets less than I do. But he’s new to the job.”
Obama said he has watched Modi at the Madison Square event last September where the former was “treated like a Bollywood star”.
On being asked about his conversation with Obama, Modi said, “Let that remain behind the curtain. (Jahan tak baato ka sawal hai parde mein rehne de). But I can tell you that the chemistry between us has not only brought Barack and me close but has also brought Washington and Delhi closer.”
Obama had said earlier that he was grateful for the extraordinary hospitality. On the welcome accorded to him, he said, “it was difficult to match this”.
Modi concluded his statement by saying, “We have outlined a broad vision for our friendship and cooperation that reflects the opportunities and challenges of this century. As Lord Buddha said, noble friends and companions are the whole of the holy life.”
DH News Service