Hug as a tool of diplomacy is back

The hug as a tool of diplomacy is back. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first visit to Japan after being re-elected, began by warmly embracing Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. In the first of the bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 for Modi, it was clear that the bromance between the two is still very much intact.

The meeting between the two leaders was described by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale as “very constructive’’. The two leaders had a “very detailed discussion on the bilateral relationship’’. On the agenda was the progress made on the joint projects between the two countries.

With Abe due to visit the country later in the year, it is important for the Modi government—especially given the emphasis put on the Japanese relationship—to show movement. One of the projects discussed was the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. This is a star project for the two countries, recently criticised by environmentalists because it will cut down acres of mangroves. The environmental cost apart, there have been land acquisition issues, which so far despite the will haven’t been resolved.

The other project that came up between the two leaders was the convention center that was being built in Modi’s constituency Varanasi.

“Abe emphasised the importance of preparing for this summit properly including through ministerial meetings, through various exchanges in infrastructure, defence, outer space, digital economy and start-ups,’’ said the foreign secretary.

Apart from bilateral issues, the two leaders also discussed what the expectations from the G20 summit and the “importance on focussing on the economy’’. Abe also mentioned Modi’s bringing up the issue of economic offenders and that this problem should be deal by the G20 as part of its anti-corruption measures. Japan is also hoping get India to be on the same page on data flows as well as climate change.

Significantly, Abe was the first leader to congratulate Modi on the phone after his victory. In his speech to the Indian community in Kobe later—a packed hall and chants of Jai Shriram and Vande Mataram greeted him—Prime Minister Modi said that I'm fortunate to be here once again after 7 months. It's a coincidence that last time I was here, election results were out here and you had shown trust in my dear friend Shinzo Abe. Today when I'm here, the largest democracy has shown even greater trust in this Pradhan Sevak".

Tomorrow, will be a packed day for Modi, as he meets President Donald Trump in the morning, Mohammad bin Salam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and German chancellor Angela Merkel. He also has three other pull-asides.

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