India-Japan relations enter new era

CHAI PE CHARCHA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has repeatedly highlighted that he used be a tea seller early in his life, was today treated to a special Japanese "chai" by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe as per a tradition in this country. The special gesture was Abe's way of showing affection to the visiting leader, keeping in with the Japanese tradition 'Chanoyu' prevalent since the 16th century. Modi sat on the floor with knees bent as is the tradition in Japan and drank tea from a special cup. Abe sat next to him to share the moment.