NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to build personal relationships with world leaders, including U.S. presidents, is often highlighted in diplomatic circles. Those who accompany him on international visits note how he draws upon his personal life experiences to create a sense of connection, helping to bridge cultural and geopolitical divides.
During one of PM Modi’s U.S. trips, Vinay Kwatra, India’s current ambassador to the U.S. and former foreign secretary, shared a memorable interaction between Modi and former U.S. President Barack Obama. This moment, from PM Modi’s first visit to the U.S. as Prime Minister in 2014, was recounted on “Modi Story,” a social media platform where people share personal experiences and anecdotes related to the Indian leader.
After formal talks between the two leaders, they visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial together. During the short drive in Obama’s stretch limousine, their conversation shifted to a more personal note. President Obama, in a friendly exchange, asked Modi about his mother. PM Modi’s reply caught Obama by surprise: “President Obama, you might find this hard to believe, but your car is nearly the same size as the house my mother lives in!” This candid comment provided a glimpse into Modi’s humble background and straightforward nature.
Kwatra, who was present during the exchange, recalled that this moment deepened the bond between the two leaders, as both Modi and Obama had risen from modest beginnings to lead their respective countries. It was a reminder of the shared experiences that can transcend international diplomacy.
During the same visit, Obama gifted Modi a rare book on the Parliament of the World’s Religions, which took place in 1893, featuring a paper by Swami Vivekananda—an inspiring figure for PM Modi. The interaction between Modi and Obama, filled with warmth and shared understanding, set the tone for what would become a close and respectful relationship between the two leaders.
