“Does Narendra Modi do yoga?” asked Russian President Vladimir Putin when he was informed that the Indian Prime Minister started a Ministry of Yoga.

He was incredulous that a ministry of yoga could be set up, and then smilingly asked why anyone would do that. He wondered if Narendra Modi practised yoga himself. He was told that it was likely, though he had not publicly said so.

“He is a good man, and a personal friend,” Mr. Putin said in reply to questions from visiting wire service reporters from around the world, including IANS.

( A file photo of Narendra Modi during 'Yoga Mahotsav' at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi)

In response to a question raised by IANS, whether he and Mr. Modi were both being seen as “tough leaders”, Mr. Putin said it was not true. “I am not tough. I am always willing to compromise,” adding that often the other side took a tough stand.

“They say they have two opinions. One that they are right. And the second that I am wrong,” Mr. Putin said at his official residence here.