9 times Modi taught the world to hug and go viral

It's a common sight in the subcontinent to watch two grown men walk hand in hand.

So it was no surprise to see prime ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif repeat the gesture when the former visited Pakistan for the latter's grand daughter's wedding.

Only, Modi has a hug and handshake ready for every occasion - suggesting that he enjoys an easy friendship with the high and mighty from all over the world - popularising his image as a global statesman.

Here's why Modi has the best hugs:

The outreach hug

This is Prime Minister Modi on his toes reaching up to his friend Barack. Obama was not as effusive when he spoke about India's pluralist tradition. He went on to express the hope that India would be a strong united entity not permitting "splintering" to be caused by religion.

The force be with you hug

It was the wrong superhero franchise. But long before stormtroopers could swoop into the White House press conference, our PM knew Star Wars was going to be cool. Perhaps he mistook Wolverine for Han Solo? Nevermind.

The hug and kiss

The French do it, once on each cheek. Indians hold hands. The Saudis clearly hug and kiss - both. Here was PM Modi getting up close and personal with the Crown Prince of UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The handshake that wasn't

She was so busy showing the world how to run a capitalist state with a soft heart that German Chancellor Angela Merkel didn't see PM Modi's outstretched hand, ready for a handshake.

The Facebook hug

He moved "him" aside when he was interfering with his camera angle. He cried when "he" interviewed him. Social network star Mark Zuckerberg finally got the hug from PM Modi.

The shaken and stirred handshake

This image went viral as did the trolls, who spewed venom against Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who seemed to wipe his hands after a handshake with the Prime Minister.

Don't look into your eyes hug

It was a surprise alliance between a separatist party from Kashmir and one that prides itself in asking for Article 370 to be abolished. Perhaps, that is why the PM couldn't quite look Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed in the eye when they finally did it.

The buddy bear hug

Japan premier Shinzo Abe is an old friend, claims Narendra Modi. Well they certainly didn't hide their affection for each other when they met in New Delhi.