5 times when PM Modi has broken official protocols
After the R-Day parade, PM Narendra Modi once again broke protocol and strolled till India Gate, waving at the crowd, amidst frenzied sloganeering of "Modi, Modi." Security personnel faced a tough time stopping excited spectators from breaking the barricade. Famously or infamously, Modi doesn't believe in conventions. Here's a recap of the times he has broken the protocols in the past.
First off, what are his views about protocols?
Protocols are a system of rules that explain the correct conduct/procedures in a formal situation. Recently, when Modi was criticized for ignoring protocols, he said he is a common man unaware of protocols. Regarding his friendly hugs, he said that had he been "trained," he too would have shaken hands while greeting dignitaries. But he is a common man, who is also the PM!
Modi's airport hugplomacy with foreign dignitaries
Modi's most talked-about moments are when he receives visiting heads-of-states with a 'jhappi' at the tarmac. This deviates from protocol which requires junior ministers to receive them. In the past, he has warmly received Barack Obama, Japan PM Shinzo Abe and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu with "bear hugs" and Bangladesh PM Hasina with a bouquet at their aircrafts' gates during their visits to India.
Modi's surprise visit to Pakistan on PM Nawaz Sharif's Birthday
Another instance was when Modi breached protocol to revive a troubled relationship. He made an intimate "surprise" trip to Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif's ancestral residence in 2015. Incidentally, that day was Sharif's birthday and his grand-daughter's wedding. Protocol demands "planned" systematic trips, where security threats are accounted for. But, his decision to talk shop with Sharif was welcomed and considered a highly-calculated personal gamble.
Modi accords the highest respect to the "People's President"
In another case of protocol-breaking, after former-president APJ Abdul Kalam's death, Modi's government announced a 7-day mourning period honoring India's "missile man." As per official protocol, this is announced only when a sitting president expires. So, during the mourning period, national flags fly at half-mast and no "official entertainment" is conducted. What's more, PM Modi also attended the former president's funeral at Rameswaram.
For Gujarat sea-plane ride, Modi breaches security protocols
However, Modi didn't warm hearts with some protocol breaches. For instance, during Gujarat polls'17, his Sabarmati river-Dharoi dam sea-plane ride made news for flouting security rules. First, the air-plane reportedly didn't undergo all the necessary security checks before the PM's flight. Second, he flew in a single-engine aircraft, which is less safe. As per official protocol, VVIPs should only travel by twin-engine aircrafts.
