Narendra Modi has hugged again—and social media can’t get enough of it.
It was last year that the Indian prime minister’s penchant for bear hugs made international headlines, when instead of a formal handshake, Modi locked his arms around US president Barack Obama’s waist.
This year, it was the turn of French president Francois Hollande—also in country, like Obama last year, to attend the Republic Day celebrations—to experience the Indian prime minister’s warmth during their visit to the Rock Garden in Chandigarh. Hollande was left a bit shaken by the show of affection.
These, of course, are only two of the many instances that establish Modi’s reputation as a hugger. Of late, the prime minister has made a habit out of embracing world leaders, actors, entrepreneurs—and even his party members.
Quartz brings you a retrospect of Modi’s bear hugs.
US president Barack Obama hugs Modi as he arrives at Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi.Image: Reuters/Jim Bourg
US president Barack Obama and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi embrace following a bilateral meeting at United Nations headquarters.Image: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Modi is welcomed by Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe upon his arrival at the State Guest House in Kyoto, Japan.Image: Reuters/Kyodo
Narendra Modi is hugged by Australia’s prime minister Tony Abbott during a reception at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.Image: Reuters/Tracey Nearmy
Australian prime minister Tony Abbott greets Modi during the G20 summit official welcome at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibitions Centre in Brisbane, Australia.Image: EPA/Lukas Coch
Narendra Modi hugging Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Lahore, Pakistan.Image: Press Information Bureau
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani welcomes Modi at President House, at Kabul, Afghanistan.Image: Press Information Bureau
Modi hugs Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev during a Yoga Mahotsav in New Delhi.Image: Reuters/Adnan Abidi
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hugs Modi at Facebook in Menlo Park, California.Image: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Modi hugs actor Hugh Jackman on stage during the Global Citizen Festival concert in Central Park, New York.Image: Reuters/Carlo Allegri
Modi hugs Lal Krishna Advani as Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh watches during the BJP parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi.Image: AP Photo
Rajnath Singh hugs Modi after garlanding him in New Delhi.Image: AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal
