Playing the nationalist card? PM Narendra Modi chose to speak in Hindi with SAARC leaders
New Delhi: From the historic handshake to the cordial hugs and an emotional talk on their mothers, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart surely made headlines.
On Tuesday, when Modi met SAARC leaders in Delhi, who flew in to attend his grand swearing-in ceremony, he chose to speak in Hindi. The secretaries present at the meetings translated Modi's words into English for the respective heads of states to understand.
Known for his extraordinary oratory skills and indefatigable persona, Modi is comfortable, if not well-versed in English. However, he chose to speak in Hindi.
Read: Modi’s special gift for Nawaz Sharif’s mother gets daughter Maryam emotional
What looks undeniably deliberate was indeed Modi’s way of asserting India’s presence and prominence in South Asia as a key leader. Modi sent a strong message to the world that nationalism was key to his identity.
Meanwhile, US has said it is "cautiously hopeful" about the improvement in the ties between the two neighbours.
"He travelled to India for the inauguration, was able to see Prime Minister Modi there. We always encourage India and Pakistan to pursue dialogue that can reduce tension. We believe that that is in the interest of the entire region. And so we'll continue to encourage that," the official said.
Read: US applauds Modi-Sharif meeting but 'cautiously hopeful'
Modi, who was sworn-in as India's 15th Prime Minister yesterday, voiced concerns over terrorism originating from Pakistan in his 50-minute meeting with Sharif.
Take a look at the 'historic handshake' between Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif:
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