Five Things Modi Did to Impress Obama

Only With Modi.

In his toast during a state dinner on Sunday in New Delhi, President Barack Obama gave an insight into his visit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I have often said that my life story could only happen in America, but, of course, prime minister, your story could only happen in India,” Mr. Obama said. 

Here are some things we’d like to suggest could only happen during a visit to Mr. Modi.

He’ll Wear His Name on His Sleeve

Mr. Modi wore a pinstripe suit Sunday during talks with Mr. Obama.

Look very closely.  The words “Narendra Damodardas Modi” were embroidered into the suit to make those stripes. No kidding.

US President Barack Obama hugs Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a joint press conference in New Delhi on January 25, 2015.

 

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

He’ll Out Sleep-Deprive You

As one of the world’s most-powerful men, Mr. Obama is probably used to winning the “I’m-more-sleep-deprived- than-you” game. Not this time.

“He was explaining to me today how he only needed three hours’ sleep, which made me feel bad; I thought I was doing okay with five,” Mr. Obama said.

U.S. President Barack Obama attends a joint statement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, Jan. 25, 2015.

 

Zuma Press

He’ll Tell You About His Fight With a Crocodile

“What I didn’t know until now is that he once survived an attack by a crocodile,” Mr. Obama said of Mr. Modi during his toast.

We’re not sure how this came up in conversation. They were supposed to be hammering out a civil-nuclear deal.

Up to now, this crocodile tale was the stuff of Narendra Modi comic book legend. 

Other stories include the day a young Narendra in high school, climbed a tree to free a bird caught in a kite string. In the book, the bird was “thankful” and looked lovingly into Mr. Modi’s eyes before flying off.