When Prime Minister Narendra Modi shook hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and hugged him in Kyiv, it was more than a simple hug between the heads of the two governments. It created a buzz across the world with many people questioning the exchange of pleasantries as well as praising the Indian prime minister. Netizens took to social media platforms in a big way and expressed their opinions.
Modi-Zelensky Hug Creates Buzz
The controversy was triggered immediately after the hug when the international media questioned it and equated India’s reach out to Ukraine. They compared Modi’s hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin to that of Zelensky. When asked about the hug, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar told a BBC correspondent present there that hugging a friend may not be a part of his culture, but it is in the Indian ethos. He also said Indians embrace one another.
When PM Modi visited the Martyrologist exposition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv, some people stood there with placards in their hands that read, “Ancient India should save the world”.
How Did US React To Modi-Zelensky Hug?
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “If Modi’s Ukraine trip can work towards “getting us to an end to the conflict that comports with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s vision for a just peace, well, then we think that would be helpful.”
Acknowledging the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv, Ukraine’s President talked about the agreements reached by the two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
What Did Volodymyr Zelensky Say?
He also highlighted the significance of the four bilateral agreements covering the medical field, agricultural cooperation, humanitarian relations, and culture, signaling a new chapter in Ukraine-India relations.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s Handshake: Is It A Jinx
Meanwhile, Russian news outlet Sputnik came out with a bizarre web story on how Zelensky’s handshake has been cursed. It claimed that whoever met the Ukrainian president, lost power. It cited the example of then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who resigned as he came under intense pressure for allegedly violating the COVID-19 protocol and partying the whole night after Prince Philip died.
Mario Dragi
According to ‘Sputnik’, then-Italian Prime Minister Mario Dragi resigned soon after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky. Dragi was facing a political crisis for months as he lost the confidence of his senior party members and cabinet colleagues.
Sanna Marin
Sputnik said that former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Social Democratic Party lost the general election and finished third under her leadership. Soon after meeting the Ukrainian president she resigned as an MP, quit politics and joined the non-government organisation Tony Blair Institute.
Rishi Sunak
The Russian publication also said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also lost the general election and resigned as the leader of the Conservative Party. Earlier he met Volodymyr Zelensky.
Alexander De Croo
According to Sputnik, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo met King Philippe and tendered his resignation in June after his party got a beating in the European Parliament election. He too met the comedian-turned-politician.
Fumio Kishida
Sputnik reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation soon after meeting Zelensky.
Joe Biden
The Russian publication also recalled how US President Joe Biden pulled out of the Presidential Election to be held on November 5 after meeting the Ukrainian president.
Ukrainian media has reported that the Russian government and media have unleashed propaganda against Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, both Indian and Ukrainian establishments have hailed Mody’s Kyiv visit. Calling it historic, they have hoped that it would begin a new chapter in the Ukraine-India relationship.
