No Selfies, Please: Advice to Lawmakers Who Met PM Modi in US

The US Congress were given a list of Do’s and Don’ts ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Capitol Hill.

No selfies with the Prime Minister – that was the first advice from a House protocol expert, ahead of Narendra Modi’s visit to the Capitol Hill where he delivered a speech on Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress. And no leather gifts, please.

First and foremost — NO SELFIES!! Taking selfies with a visiting Head of State is incredibly inappropriate and tactless. Make sure your boss does not do this.

Elizabeth Heng, House Foreign Affairs Committee Protocol Aide

And here’s another helpful tip: “As a general practice, do not attempt to shake a head of state’s hand unless they extend their hand first.”

And finally, a reminder that it’s not appropriate “to give a cattle product to a practicing Hindu.”

Heng’s missive was posted to Twitter by reporter Scott Wong of The Hill.

PM Modi, however, is quite obsessed with selfies.

Hey, the India prime minister is in town. No SELFIES, no handshakes and no leather! pic.twitter.com/LeBfVNGbLK

— Scott Wong (@scottwongDC) June 8, 2016

(With inputs from AP.)