Bharat’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is not one to shy away from setting the record straight. When the BBC reporter, and Modi’s detractors, criticized the hugs between President Putin and PM Modi, Jaishankar masterfully responded with calm sarcasm.
The sauve EAM Jaishankar subtly reminded them of the basics of Bharat’s cultural and its diplomacy. India, as Jaishankar often emphasizes, walks a delicate tightrope – balancing between Russia and Ukraine while firmly embracing peace. Let’s explore!
Jaishankar Decodes The “Jhappi”: Modi’s Hugs That Caused Heartburn
When PM Modi embraced Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Western media erupted. “How could Modi hug a man labeled as a war criminal?” cried the talking heads. And of course, President Zelenskyy wasn’t thrilled either. After all, watching your sworn enemy get a bear hug from the leader of the world’s largest democracy does put you in an awkward position. However, Modi’s critics often forget that diplomacy isn’t just cold handshakes and stern expressions.
Diplomacy is also about warmth and the human touch – a trait Modi embodies.
And if a hug causes heartburn, well then, Burnol is always in stock!
Jaishankar minced no words to tell the BBC reporters, and Modi critics, that hugs are part of Indian Culture. Hence, hugging President Putin should not be turned into a needless controversy. After all, western media should not seek sensationalism at India’s expense! Thereafter, EAM Jaishankar poignantly points out that PM Modi also hugged President Zelenskyy! Thereby, showing that the hugs or “Jhappi” balanced out between the two warring nations and their leaders. Hence, these gestures, steeped in Indian culture, should be taken in as they were meant – A moment of friendship with a tinge of diplomacy!
A “Paw Paw” Burnol Moment For Modi Haters
HUGE 🚨 Vladmir Putin decides that as long as PM Modi is in Ukraine, there will be no att@ck.
Vladimir Putin declares this as a mark of respect for PM Modi.
Meanwhile, ZeIenskyy praised PM Modi & said he is grateful for humanitarian aid packages India has provided throughout… pic.twitter.com/kOXLSkE8d7
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) August 23, 2024
Modi haters can’t resist the chant of “Paw Paw.” They seriously cast aspersions and doubts on the claims that last year PM Modi’s diplomatic dialogues to extradite Indian students from the warzone resulted in a temporary halt in the war! They mock the BJP supporters using the “Paw Paw” dialogues. Hence, reports have a new Burnol moment for the Chamchas of the CON party.
Reports state that during Modi’s visit to Ukraine, President Putin called a pause on the attacks on Ukraine as a courtesy to his dear friend, PM Modi.
मोदी जी का पावर देख रहे हो!
विश्व के सबसे ताकतवर देश के राष्ट्रपति पुतिन ने ऐलान किया है की जब तक #NarendraModi यूक्रेन में है, यूक्रेन पर कोई हमला नहीं होगा।#PMModiInUkraine #Ukrainian #UkraineRussiaWar #Putin #PMModiUkraineVisit #Zelensky pic.twitter.com/i8uyrroTEQ
— Ankit Avasthi Sir 🇮🇳 (@ankitavasthi01) August 23, 2024
Oh, the irony! Modi’s critics can weep at this new statement showcasing the late “Paw Paw ne war Rukwa di” moment. One can practically smell the Burnol being passed around in the CON party camps. Why? Because if the reports are true, then this would be the second time the warring nations silenced their cannons to woo Bharat as an ally!
Diplomacy With Clarity – Hugging Peace, Not Sides
Despite the incessant mocking, Modi’s critics in India and abroad keep missing the point. Bharat has always chosen a side in this conflict – the side of peace. While the West obsesses over binary narratives, India pursues dialogue and diplomacy. Whether it’s with Putin or Zelenskyy, the message remains the same: Peace requires engagement, not isolation. Hence, Jaishankar’s unsaid message to the BBC and the world? Try understanding the culture of warmth and diplomacy before rushing to judgment.
PM Modi’s hugs, namaskars, and two-handed handshakes aren’t just gestures. They are a tribute to Bharat’s custom of greeting friends with warmth. And they are a declaration of India’s position – We welcome all those who come in peace with open arms! And what about those critics within the CON party clan and their western master? Well, it seems Modi 3.0 states that they can keep applying Burnol while the astute world takes due note of Bharat’s soft power diplomacy!