I was struck, this morning, by what appears to be intimacy, or at least genuine warmth and closeness, between India PM Modi and US President Trump upon arrival in India.

Notice Trump’s hand, tucked between Modi’s shirt and vest!

How long has this been going on?

These two met for the first time at the White House in 2017. In 2019, they met again in Houston, and gave twin speeches in a stadium packed with 50,000 Indian-Americans. In between, they have met on other occasions of Heads of State (for e.g., the G-20), for a total of six meetings, including this one.

I decided to find earlier photos, looking especially for the first hug, which appeared to be at their first meeting, in 2017.

Notice how, at least to me, it seems as if Modi is the initiator, indeed that he’s almost clinging to Trump. For his part, Trump appears to me to be backing away a bit, as if this hug moves beyond his comfort level.

If so, after three years, Modi appears to have warmed him up.

Both leaders enjoy massive support, both are nationalists, both are on social media, with  more than 30 million twitter followers! Two of a kind, you might say. Trump calls Modi “a true friend.”

Looking at Modi’s astrology, he is a very serious, detail-oriented person, with Saturn and Sun almost exactly conjunct in Virgo. Meanwhile, however, he also has Mars in Scorpio on the Ascendant at 27°, closely square Trump’s Mars, at 24° Leo. Interesting. Both have mighty warrior energy, and since they don’t hate each other in this life (the square might have indicated extreme friction), I have a sneaky suspicion that the two of them have known each other in previous lives, and are very much enjoying both the reunion and the opportunity to heap lavish praise on “making each other’s country great again” this time around.

BTW: Anyone who thinks that Trump reserves his “great again” mantra for the U.S. is not paying attention. He wants to see all nations express themselves fully and cooperatively, both internally and with other nations. YES!

From the text of Trump’s address in the largest cricket stadium in the world (filled to capacity: 110,000):

Full Text of Presidernt Trump’s Speech in India

Excerpt:

The life of Prime Minister Modi underscores the limitless promise of this great nation. He started out by his father’s side as a chai wala — (applause) — a tea-seller.  When he was a young man, he worked at a cafeteria in this city.

AUDIENCE:  Modi!  Modi!  Modi!

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Stand up. (Applause.)  Everybody loves him, but I will tell you this: He’s very tough. (Laughs.) (Applause.)

Today, Prime Minister Modi is the tremendously successful leader of this vast Indian Republic. Last year, more than 600 million people went to the polls and gave him a landslide victory like no other in the largest democratic election ever held anywhere on the face of the Earth. (Applause.)

Prime Minister Modi, you are not just the pride of Gujarat — you are living proof that with hard work and devotion, Indians can accomplish anything — (applause) — anything at all, anything they want. (Applause.)

The Prime Minister has a moving story of an incredible rise, and so does this entire nation. Your nation is doing so well. We are very, very proud of India. (Applause.) The story of the Indian nation is a tale of astounding progress, a miracle of democracy, extraordinary diversity, and above all, a strong and noble people. India gives hope to all of humanity.

In just 70 years, India has become an economic giant, the largest democracy ever to exist, and one of the most amazing nations anywhere in the world. (Applause.)

Since the turn of the century, India’s economy has grown more than six times in size. In a single decade, India has lifted over 270 million people out of poverty.

Under Prime Minister Modi, for the first time in history, every village in India now has access to electricity. (Applause.) Three hundred and twenty million people — more Indians — are right now connected to the Internet.

(Applause.) The pace of highway construction has more than doubled. Over 70 million more households — think of this — 70 million more households have access to cooking fuel; 600 million more people have access to basic sanitation; and, incredibly, 12 Indian citizens are lifted out of extreme poverty every single minute of every single day. (Applause.)

India will soon be the home of the biggest middle class anywhere in the world.  And within less than 10 years, extreme poverty in your country is projected to completely disappear. (Applause.) The potential for India is absolutely incredible.

India’s rise as a prosperous and independent nation is an example to every nation all over the world and one of the most outstanding achievements of our century.  It is all the more inspiring because you have done it as a democratic country, you have done it as a peaceful country, you have done it as a tolerant country, and you have done it as a great free country. (Applause.)

There is all the difference in the world between a nation that seeks power through coercion, intimidation, and aggression, and a nation that rises by setting its people free and unleashing them to chase their dreams. And that is India. (Applause.) This is why India’s accomplishment over the last 70 years is completely unrivaled no matter where you go.

It is your faith in the strength of a free society, your confidence in your own people, your trust in your own citizens, and your respect for the dignity of every person that makes the United States and India such a natural, beautiful, enduring friendship. (Applause.)

While our nations have many differences, they are both defined and propelled by a fundamental truth: the truth that all of us are blessed with divine light, and every person is endowed with a sacred soul.

As the great religious teacher, Swami Vivekananda, once said — (applause) — “The moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in Him, that moment I am free.” (Applause.)

In America and in India, we know that we are all born for a higher purpose: to reach toward our fullest potential, to work toward excellence and perfection, and to give all glory to God.

Powered by this spirit, Indians and Americans are always striving to be greater, our people are always seeking to be better, and so our nations have become thriving centers of culture and commerce and civilization, giving light and vitality to all of the world.

_____

Let’s repeat a bit of this remarkable address. And BTW: I’ve noticed that Trump has been using the word “soul” more and more often in the past few months.:

There is all the difference in the world between a nation that seeks power through coercion, intimidation, and aggression, and a nation that rises by setting its people free and unleashing them to chase their dreams.

. . .

While our nations have many differences, they are both defined and propelled by a fundamental truth: the truth that all of us are blessed with divine light, and every person is endowed with a sacred soul.

As the great religious teacher, Swami Vivekananda, once said — (applause) — “The moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in Him, that moment I am free.” (Applause.)