On July 9, 2024, Modi embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, to the chagrin of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the following media briefing, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar defended the prime minister, noting, “In our part of the world, when people meet people, they are given to embracing each other. It may not be part of your culture, but I assure you, it’s part of ours.” This statement encapsulates the cultural divide that Modi’s hugs often bridge and the misunderstandings they sometimes generate.

Historical embracing in India and beyond

In India, embracing, or Aalingan, is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions. It’s not merely a greeting but a profound expression of trust, respect and connection that transcends verbal communication. This practice finds its origins in ancient Indian epics and spiritual texts.

In the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, the embrace between the gods Lord Rama and Hanuman symbolizes not just friendship, but a deep, spiritual bond. Similarly, in the epic Mahābhārata, the god Krishna’s embraces with his friends and devotees are portrayed as acts of divine love, emphasizing the spiritual significance of physical connection.

The concept of Aalingan extends beyond mythology into everyday Indian life. It is a common form of greeting in many communities, especially among family members and close friends. It’s seen as a way to express affection, offer comfort and strengthen bonds between individuals.

While Modi’s hugs are rooted in Indian tradition, the act of embracing as a form of greeting or expression of kindness is not unique to India. Throughout history and across various cultures, this action has played significant roles in social and diplomatic interactions.

In ancient Greece, the concept of aspasmós referred to a greeting that often included an embrace. The Greeks, known for their emphasis on personal relationships and philosophical discourse, understood the power of physical connection in fostering mutual understanding. In Greek literature, this contact often signifies an emotional reunion or reconciliation between former enemies. Think of the embrace between the disguised Odysseus and his wife Penelope at the end of Odyssey. At first, Penelope does not believe Odysseus when he reveals his identity. Their hug signifies both reunion and the restoration of trust.

The Romans, too, recognized the importance of physical gestures in both personal and diplomatic contexts. The Latin terms amplexus (“embrace”) and complexus (“entwining”) were used to describe close physical contact that conveyed sincerity and built trust. In ancient Rome, the embrace signified brotherhood and common purpose. The celebrated Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs, depicting the four Roman co-emperors in a mutual embrace, amply demonstrates this custom.

Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs, Venice, Italy.

In the Middle Ages, the “kiss of peace,” or Pax, was a common greeting among European nobility and clergy, often accompanied by an embrace. This practice, rooted in early Christian traditions, was seen as a way to express unity and reconciliation within the community.

Even in cultures where physical contact is generally more reserved, there are historical instances of embraces being used in diplomatic contexts. For example, the famous “socialist fraternal kiss” between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker in 1979 became an iconic image of Cold War diplomacy.

Depiction of the socialist fraternal kiss in Berlin, Germany. Via LBM1948 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

The strategic significance of Modi’s hugs

Against this rich historical backdrop, Modi’s embraces take on a deeper significance. They are not just spontaneous displays of affection but calculated diplomatic moves that bridge ancient traditions with modern international relations.

Geopolitics are often cold and formal; interactions are guided by strict protocols and careful words. Touch, therefore, serves as a disruptive force. It humanizes interactions, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of intimacy that few other diplomatic gestures can achieve.

When Modi embraces a world leader, he is sending a clear message: India values personal connections, and relationships are built on more than just agreements and treaties. This approach aligns with India’s broader diplomatic strategy, which emphasizes soft power and cultural diplomacy as key tools in its international relations.

To dismiss these hugs as mere quirks or cultural misunderstandings would be to underestimate their strategic significance. In a world where geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines, these embraces serve as powerful symbols of unity and shared humanity.

Modi’s embraces have become a unique form of non-verbal communication in his diplomatic toolkit. They can convey warmth where words might fail, break ice in tense situations or reinforce the strength of existing relationships. In some cases, they have even become newsworthy events in themselves, drawing attention to India’s diplomatic engagements and the prime minister’s personal brand of leadership.

Moreover, these hugs align with India’s aspirations on the global stage. As India seeks to position itself as a bridge between East and West, North and South, Modi’s hugs symbolize the country’s ability to connect diverse cultures and political systems.

This “hug diplomacy” has drawn criticism, however. Some view the embraces as overly familiar or even culturally insensitive, especially when dealing with leaders from more reserved cultures. Others argue that such gestures can be seen as unprofessional or distracting from substantive diplomatic issues.

There’s also the risk of overuse. If every diplomatic meeting ends with this gesture, does it lose its significance? Critics argue that the frequency of the prime minister’s embraces might dilute their impact or make them seem less sincere.

The power of human connection

Despite these challenges, the enduring popularity and discussion surrounding Modi’s hugs speak to a fundamental truth about human interaction: Physical connection matters. In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication and remote interactions, a simple embrace can carry profound meaning.

As the ancient Greeks and Romans understood, and as Indian tradition has long emphasized, physical gestures can convey what words often cannot. They can build trust, foster goodwill and create lasting impressions in ways that formal speeches or written agreements cannot.

Modi’s “hug diplomacy” is more than just a quirky diplomatic style; it’s a bridge between ancient cultural practices and modern diplomatic strategies. Drawing from the rich traditions of Aalingan in India and echoing touch’s historical significance across cultures, the hugs serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity in a divided world.

As we continue to navigate the complex, high-stakes landscape of international relations, perhaps we should view these embraces not as oddities to be questioned, but as invitations to consider the role of personal connection in diplomacy. While divisions seem to grow by the day, a warm human touch might just be the simplest yet most profound way to unite us.

As the saying goes, “hugs are the universal medicine.” Sometimes the most effective solution can be a heartfelt embrace.

[Lee Thompson-Kolar edited this piece.]

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.

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Lord Shiva is one of the most important gods in Hinduism. Shiva is a member of the trimūrti, the supreme divine triad, along with Brahma and Vishnu. He is associated with time and is the creator and destroyer of all things.

The rhythmic beats of Lord Shiva’s Damaru — a small drum-shaped instrument held by Lord Shiva — resonate deeply within the collective consciousness of Hinduism, above all in the annual festival of Maha Shivratri, which falls in late February or early March. The drum is a symbol of rhythm, time and cosmic sound. The rhythmic beats produced by its two ends symbolize the dualities inherent in existence: life and death, light and darkness, creation and destruction. At first glance, the Damaru’s shape resembles an hourglass, representing the eternal flow of time — a concept central to Hindu philosophy.

The Damaru with other symbols of Lord Shiva.

In Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, known as the Tandava, the Damaru’s sound sets the rhythm for the universe’s perpetual motion, signifying the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. With its simple yet profound design, this sacred instrument held a spiritual and historical connection that transcended time and space. It serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal cycle of life and death. Shiva, often depicted holding the Damaru, is particularly iconic in the Nataraja form, where the rhythmic beats of the Damaru accompany his cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Sometimes depicted in other dancing postures, Shiva’s presence with the Damaru remains a powerful symbol. The Damaru is tied to his Trishul or trident in certain depictions, further emphasizing its significance. The sound emanating from the Damaru symbolizes the primal sound of creation, perpetuating the universe’s eternal rhythm.

In Hinduism, particularly among Shiva devotees, it is firmly believed that Shiva’s beating of the Damaru heralded the first sound, known as “nada.” This inaugural sound emerged from the depths of the void, resonating with the essence of creation. As Shiva commenced his divine dance, guided by the rhythm of the Damaru, the cosmos sprang forth into existence. Moreover, the shape of the Damaru holds symbolic significance—the upper portion represents the male creative force (the Lingam), while the lower portion embodies the female creative energy (the Yoni). Symbolically, the convergence of the Lingam and Yoni at the midpoint of the Damaru signifies the genesis of creation, while their separation signifies destruction’s inevitable course. The beats of Shiva’s Damaru reverberated throughout the universe, setting the rhythm for the eternal cycle of existence. With each tap of the drum, the divine sound echoed the pulsating energy of creation, symbolizing the cosmic vibrations that underpinned all of reality.

Painting of Siva as Bhairava. Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, circa 1820. Via the British Museum.

Symbolism of the Damaru in Hindu iconography

Ancient Indian artists and sculptors have depicted the Damaru for thousands of years in their works. Its presence in Hindu iconography underscores its enduring significance as a spiritual awakening and enlightenment symbol. From Varanasi’s temples to Ellora’s caves, the image of Lord Shiva wielding the Damaru is a timeless reminder of the divine power that permeates the cosmos.

Moreover, the ancient yogic traditions of India revered sound as a powerful tool for spiritual transformation; hence, Lord Shiva’s association with Damaru evokes its significance. Through Nada Yoga, practitioners harness the vibrational energy of sound to unlock higher states of consciousness and commune with the divine. The rhythmic beats of the Damaru, when played with intention and devotion, have the power to transport the listener to realms beyond the material world, where the soul finds refuge in the eternal embrace of the divine.

Painting of Siva presenting the cakra to Vishnu. Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, circa 1820. Via the British Museum.

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) recently showcased a special exhibition on the various types of Damaru, exhibiting the rich tapestry of India’s cultural and religious diversity. Beyond its symbolism, the Damaru manifests in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials, each imbued with its unique significance. This exploration not only sheds light on the diverse cultural heritage of India but also unveils the deep connections between the Damaru and various Shiva sects and devotees, including Aghoris, Nagas, and others.

In the holy city of Varanasi, the traditional wooden Damaru reigns supreme, its intricate carvings and embellishments reflecting the city’s rich artistic heritage. For Aghoris, the Damaru symbolizes Shiva’s cosmic dance and worldly attachments’ transcendence.

Similarly, among the Nagas, Damaru is sacred in their rituals and ceremonies. The Naga Damaru embodies the warrior spirit and the indomitable will to overcome adversity. In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the brass Damaru takes center stage, reflecting the region’s vibrant cultural traditions and artistic craftsmanship. Here, devotees from the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition revere the Damaru as a symbol of divine grace and spiritual awakening. 

Cultural and spiritual significance of Damaru across India

In the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, the Damaru finds its most primal expression. The Himalayan Damaru embodies the raw power and elemental energy of the mountains. 

The diverse types of Damaru found across India showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and highlight the deep spiritual connections between the instrument and various Shiva sects and devotees. 

Moreover, the Damaru’s shape is reminiscent of the lingam, a symbol of divine energy and fertility associated with Lord Shiva. Just as the lingam represents the union of male and female energies, the Damaru embodies the balance between opposing forces—Shiva and Shakti, Purusha and Prakriti. Through Damaru’s rhythmic sounds, Lord Shiva harmonizes these dualities, fostering the unity of opposites within the individual and the cosmos.

In Hindu mythology, the Damaru is often depicted alongside Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull vehicle, further emphasizing its sacred significance. Nandi, a symbol of strength and stability, listens intently to Damaru’s beats, symbolizing the receptive aspect of creation. Together, the Damaru and Nandi embody the complementary forces of creation and receptivity, illustrating the interconnectedness of all beings in the cosmic dance of life.

Beyond its mythological and symbolic connotations, the Damaru holds practical significance in Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Devotees use it to accompany devotional songs and chants, invoking the presence of Lord Shiva and facilitating spiritual communion. The symbolism of the Damaru transcends its physical form. As Lord Shiva’s sacred instrument, it serves as a reminder of the eternal dance of creation, preservation, and destruction that animates the universe. Through its rhythmic beats, the Damaru symbolizes the cosmic vibrations underpinning all creation, offering devotees a pathway to spiritual enlightenment and divine communion. 

[Liam Roman edited this article]

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.

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