PM Modi recalls Biden-Salman handshake that left lasting impression on western media during G20 summit

PM Modi

In an exclusive interview to news agency ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fondly recalled US President Joe Biden-Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman handshake and proving the Western media naysayers wrong for a joint G20 declaration in India.

Against the backdrop of recently concluded G20 summit in India, The at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and India Middle East Europe Connectivity Corridor launch event in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman shook hands.

Recalling the event, the Prime Minister said: "...I did not want to wait until the last session. I wanted to get it done early which would surprise people. We got the Declaration in the first session on the second day itself. Attempts were made to drag G20 on the basis of negative estimations - I wanted to surprise them by all means. That was my strategy. The strategy was successful and I am happy..."

Biden warmly greeted Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman, after they appeared together along with several other leaders at the G20 event.

Biden smiled and shook hands with the crown prince, who is often referred to by his initials MBS, as the announcement wrapped up. The G20 host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Mod, quickly draped his own hand over their hands.

The cordial greeting was a sharp contrast to the last time Biden and the crown prince met, just over a year ago, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During that encounter, Biden awkwardly greeted the crown prince with a fist bump.