On the occasion of PM Modi's trip, Vinay Kwatra, former foreign secretary of India and current Indian Ambassador to the United States, recalls a memorable moment from the Prime Minister's 2014 visit to the US when a heartfelt exchange took place between him and then-President Barack Obama
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to connect with world leaders, including US presidents, and forge deep bonds is widely discussed. Officials accompanying him during international meetings reveal that PM Modi connects with global leaders on a personal level, drawing on his own life experiences to bridge cultural and geopolitical differences.
On the occasion of PM Modi’s trip, Vinay Kwatra, former foreign secretary of India and current Indian Ambassador to the United States, recalls a memorable moment from the Prime Minister’s 2014 visit to the US when a heartfelt exchange took place between him and then-President Barack Obama.
After formal discussions between the two leaders concluded, PM Modi and President Obama headed to the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. As they sat together in Obama’s stretch limousine for the 10–12-minute drive, their conversation turned to family. In a friendly exchange, Obama asked about Modi’s mother. With a smile, PM Modi gave a candid and unexpected response: “President Obama, you might not believe this, but the size of your car is almost the size of the house my mother lives in!"
The statement surprised the US President, as the car they were in was considerably large, being a stretch limousine. This candid revelation offered President Obama a glimpse into PM Modi’s modest upbringing and straightforwardness.
Vinay Kwatra, who was in the limousine along with the leaders shared that the conversation became a point of deeper connection between the two leaders, as both had risen from humble beginnings to the highest offices in their respective nations.
