Vladimir Putin asks if Narendra Modi does yoga

"Does Modi do yoga?" Putin wanted to know from IANS correspondent at the meeting with journalists at the end of second day of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin was told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had started a Ministry of Yoga (it is called Ministry of Ayush, an abbreviation for departments dealing with Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy incorporating indigenous and alternative systems of healing).

He was told that it was likely, though Modi had not been publicly seen to do it.

"He is a good man, and a personal friend," Putin said about Narendra Modi at the meeting.

Answering question, that he and Modi are both seen as "tough leaders", Putin said it's not true. "I am not tough. I am always willing to compromise," adding that often the other side took a tough stand.

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