Indian PM’S yoga diplomacy at summit

STEPPING away from the sealed security zone and ceremonial pomp of the Group of 20 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought a message dear to his heart to host Argentina – the value of yoga.

With the sound of rushhour traffic audible outside, about 4000 yoga practitioners in Buenos Aires took to their mats in a convention hall to hear Mr Modi.

“I arrived in Buenos Aires a short time ago after a trip of more than 24 hours, but thanks to your enthusiasm and affection I feel like I’m still in India,” he told the crowd.

The right-wing leader, who has championed a greater Hindu identity in officially secular India, has made yoga a diplomatic priority since taking office in 2014.

Modi in his remarks voiced hope that the summit of the Group of 20 economic powers would make progress on international challenges such as sustainable development and climate change.

He also voiced hope for greater relations with Argentina.

CENTRED: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (below) leads a Yoga for Peace event in Buenos Aires, on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in the Argentine capital. Picture: AP PHOTO