Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for being a charismatic, powerful, and controversial figure.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi loves giving hugs — here are 19 of his most amusing awkward encounters
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi loves giving hugs. From government officials to presidents to prominent businessmen and dictators, everyone gets an embrace.
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As the 67-year-old leader of a country with more than 1.3 billion people as well as one of the world's strongest militaries and largest economies, his influence is undeniable.
But there's something else about Modi that not many outside India may know: He loves giving hugs.
From government officials to presidents to prominent businessmen and dictators, everyone gets an embrace.
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Here are 19 of Modi's most amusing awkward encounters:
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto was caught off guard.
After a bilateral meeting in 2015, former President Barack Obama didn't know how to handle Modi's hug either.
Former US Secretary of State John Kerry decided to chat mid-hug, perhaps to make the whole thing a little bit less awkward.
President Donald Trump grimaces as he accepts Modi's unexpected embrace.
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French President Emmanuel Macron, on the other hand, happily welcomes it.
So does Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two clasped hands in amusement on another occasion in St. Petersburg, Russia.
This time, Modi and Putin continued to hold hands as they took a stroll.
But not all of Modi's interactions appear to be so smooth.
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Take his encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had quite a moment.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan got a lot of eye contact.
Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was particularly awkward.
Former French President Francois Hollande got a big hug.
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Modi also has a peculiar fascination with children's ears.
He especially likes to pull them.
Modi didn't even spare the daughter of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Or this boy, either.
And every now and then, Modi goes in for a handshake. But even then, no one is safe. Not even Prince William.
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