If one were to take a look at the buzz on social media, the traditional Modi-baiters saw in Obama's speech, and especially his message of religious tolerance and diversity, as an oblique criticism of the government and its Parivar backers.
Modi had no intention of turning his pet programme into a controversial discussion on all kinds of ideas. He deftly anchored the discussion away from hard political topics to gooey, sentimental stuff that could not go wrong.
Addressing a Town hall event at the Siri Fort auditorium on the third and final day of his visit to India, Obama also said that America can be India's "best partner". "Every person has the right to practice his faith without any persecution, fear or discrimination. India will succeed so long it is not splintered on religious lines," Obama said.
Modi will also address the Chartered Accountants Association conference on 'Economic Growth-The Way Forward' at 3 pm, and the India Economic Conclave 2014, at 4 pm, in the capital.