Modi holds ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with Obama

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his “chai pe charcha” concept to commanding heights here Sunday, serving up the brew to visiting US President Barack Obama from a silver teapot on the verdant green lawns of Hyderabad House.

The two leaders stepped out into the garden of the state guest house after a working lunch and leisurely strolled along the red sandstone pathways, talking animatedly and gesticulating for effect.

Their body language was quite electric and made it clear that the chemistry that had developed between them during Modi’s visit to Washington has grown even stronger.

They sat down on two comfortable single-seater sofa chairs laid down in the Hyderabad House garden and Modi picked up the teapot, lifted a white cup and saucer, poured out the tea and handed it over to Obama without a break in the conversation.

They chatted amiably for more than 10 minutes before getting up and walking back into Hyderabad House. It was all quite unprecedented and a pointer to the new warmth in the India-US relations have risen to.

Bilateral summit level talks were held Sunday between visiting US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House here. Obama was received by Modi when he arrived at Hyderabad House. The two leaders spoke briefly before going for the luncheon meeting. The luncheon meeting will be followed by delegation level talks and a media interaction.

During the April-May 2014 Lok Sabha elections campaign, Modi’s “chai pe charcha” – connect with the electorate over a cup of tea – had become quite eye-catching. (IANS)