Has Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his famous jhappi – the warm, both-handed bear hug – a recognisable Indian cultural symbol on the international stage? This new form of diplomatic choreography has come to define India’s global presence at the highest level—a gesture both simple and powerful. Modi, in his numerous bilateral meetings with world leaders—from the White House lawns to the palatial courtyards of European capitals and Asian pavilions—has taken to offering the jhappi, often televised and frozen in newsprint.

Greetings are not devoid of cultural context. The British, quintessentially undemonstrative, prefer the conservative handshake. The Americans, less so, often amplify the handshake into a squeeze. Across Europe, and in many other countries, a mutual kiss on both cheeks is considered kosher, irrespective of gender, and is commonplace among the more Anglicised in India too. In Russia, a direct kiss on the lips as greeting is not uncommon.

Among the Arabs and in Iran, an embrace among men – not once but thrice – is the appropriate way of doing things. In this part of the world, men kissing each other on the cheek is also part of established tradition. In Japan, bowing repeatedly is the correct form of greeting.........

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