“You have a friendly press,” Trump to Modi

Mr. Trump said the visit was planned earlier but Mr. Modi could not make it because of U.P elections. “They had elections in a section of India and it was just a small section, but he said it’s the seventh largest country in the world,” Trump said as guests laughed.

President Donald Trump lavished praises on Prime Minster Narendra Modi and also feigned some jealousy as both appeared together before media a few times on Monday. When they read out individual statements before reporters after the formal deliberations were over, Mr. Trump brought up their shared campaign and media strategy, and their social media following. “I’m proud to announce to the media, to the American people, and to the Indian people, that Prime Minister Modi and I are world leaders in social media -- -- we’re believers -- giving the citizens of our countries the opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials, and for us to hear directly from them. I guess it’s worked very well in both cases.”

 

“I am thrilled to salute you, Prime Minister Modi, and the Indian people for all that you are accomplishing together. Your accomplishments have been vast. India has the fastest growing economy in the world. We hope we’re going to be catching you very soon in terms of percentage increase, I have to tell you that. We’re working on it.” Earlier, when both leaders sat together in the Oval Office to talk, Mr. Modi waved to the cameras in the room. “You have a friendly press,” Mr. Trump told Mr. Modi.

 

The reception and dinner later had around a dozen participants from each side.

“We’ll do a toast as soon as the media leaves,” the President said. “We’re going to have a very special toast, a very intimate toast,” said Mr. Trump. The president said he wanted to thank Modi and other members of the delegation. “We have had tremendous meetings today, tremendous success,” said Mr. Trump. “And we enjoy a wonderful relationship but it’s never been better than it is today. And, again, anytime you’d like we want to have you back as soon as possible.”

The folksy embrace has become a signature move for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in greeting global leaders and celebrities alike.

Dubbed one of the most productive of all prime ministerial visits to the United States, the visible personal chemistry was on display, with US President Donald Trump and Mr. Modi exchanging hugs and several handshakes through the course.

(Top) Then US President Barack Obama hugs Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrives in New Delhi on January 1, 2015 to host the Indian Republic Day parade. The then first lady Michelle Obama is also seen in the photos. (Bottom) A few hugs again after a joint press conference and at the G-20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey on November 16, 2015.

In two different countries: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi greets Mr. Modi on August 16, 2015. Modi let no stones unturned as the crown prince visited India on January 24, 2017 in New Delhi.

Mr. Modi hugs the then French President Francois Hollande at Rock Garden in Chandigarh on January 24, 2016. Mr. Hollande discussed matters of diplomatic importance with Mr. Modi, before taking his seat at the saluting base on Rajpath.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe got the same embrace on August 30, 2014 at State Guest House in Kyoto, western Japan.

Mr. Modi takes yet another opportunity to show his affection to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani during a welcome ceremony at President Palace in Kabul on February 25, 2015.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited New Delhi on May 1, 2017. Mr. Modi greeted him in his signature fashion.

In this June 3, 2017 photo, French President Emmanuel Macron is hugged by Mr. Modi before their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.

Now that’s a surprise... Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mr. Modi attend a meeting of heads of member states at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 9, 2017. Mr. Putin hugs Mr. Modi on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 1, 2017.

Mr. Modi didn’t let Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto go without a hug. Seen at Los Pinos presidential Palace in Mexico City on June 8, 2016.

Mr. Modi visited Australia following the G20 leaders summit, met Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the Melbourne Cricket Ground November 18, 2014.

Mr. Modi doesn’t restrict his show of affection to Ministers and Presidents. The African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina gets a hug during the inaugural function of 52nd AfDB annual meeting, in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.

On a side note, Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess, met Mr. Modi on April 12, 2016. Just notice the Prince’s hands. A bear hug wrapped into one handshake, we suppose.

Mr. Modi greeted even Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the same way at Facebook headquarters in California on September 27, 2015.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was no stranger to Mr. Modi’s hugs after their joint statement at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on November 15, 2016.

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Mr. Modi spoke in Hindi and a translator stood behind him and after he finished offered the translation. “Mr. President let me express my gratitude for this invitation that was extended to me. It is true that I have spent a very short time over here but really I have felt so much at home during this stay in the United States and I’m indeed also very grateful to the First Lady. She has organized this reception in my honor. This honors not just me but 1.25 billion people of India. So once again let me thank you and express my gratitude.”

Mr. Trump said the visit was planned earlier but Mr. Modi could not make it because of U.P elections. “They had elections in a section of India and it was just a small section, but he said it’s the seventh largest country in the world,” Trump said as guests laughed. “So I said you know what? This is a better day. But it is great to have you. Thank you very much. Thank you all for being here.”

“And to add icing to the cake is that in those elections, our party won,” Mr. Modi said. “Good,” Mr. Trump responded. “And after many years we’ve got three-fourths majority in the state assembly,” Mr. Modi continued. “That’s fantastic,” responded the President. “You won by a lot.”