An American citizen flew halfway across the world to attend the wedding of an Indian man who had befriended her on Facebook, proving that blood isn’t always thicker than water, but a social media connection can be.

Krishna Mohan Tripathi from Gorakhpur chanced across Deb Miller’s profile approximately four years ago, reported the Daily Mail. The 28-year-old, who had lost his mother during his teens, gradually forged a deep bond with Miller who is 60 years old, and lives in California.

"Facebook is a wonderful opportunity for people around the world to meet each other," said Miller in an interview with ANI (watch above), but added that the social media tool like any other was only as good as the person who was using it.

As proof of their connection, Tripathi’s ‘Facebook mom’ accepted the invitation to his wedding on 30 January, and flew down to Delhi, after which she took a train to Gorakhpur. “I was surprised to receive a call from her on January 20,” said the ecstatic groom who went down with his relatives and neighbours to receive Miller at the railway station.

Not only did Miller embrace Indian traditions by donning a golden Banarsi sari, she bestowed lavish gifts on Tripathi and his bride. She gifted them jewellery worth Rs 25 lakh, as well as a 125-year-old ring that she had purchased from an auction house in Britain.

Miller left with promises to come back and visit the Taj Mahal with her son, claiming she had fallen in love with India, and took 24 saris back with her as return gifts.

Tripathi, an aspiring lawyer, who is currently studying in Awadh University in Faizabad, also plans to visit Miller in America soon.