During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to the United States in 2014, a memorable moment unfolded between him and then-President Barack Obama, showcasing Modi’s ability to connect on a personal level with world leaders.
Vinay Kwatra, India’s current ambassador to the US and former foreign secretary, recently shared the story on the “Modi Story” platform, which highlights experiences from PM Modi’s life. After formal talks, PM Modi and President Obama visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. As they rode together in Obama’s stretch limousine, their conversation turned to family. Obama asked about Modi’s mother, to which PM Modi humorously responded, “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 candid remark surprised Obama, providing insight into Modi’s modest upbringing and straightforward nature. According to Kwatra, this exchange helped deepen the connection between the two leaders, who both rose from humble beginnings to lead their nations. The visit marked a significant moment in Modi’s international diplomacy, where personal stories helped bridge cultural and geopolitical divides.