Know why no one took selfies with PM Narendra Modi at the US Capitol

Washington: When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the US Capitol for a good four hours on Wednesday, no one took selfies with him!

This is rare for the Indian PM who himself is a selfie enthusiast.

The reason: US lawmakers and staff aides had been told that when they meet PM Modi during his Washington trip, they should not take any selfies.

The advice was issued by House protocol expert Elizabeth Heng.

"First and foremost - NO SELFIES!! Taking selfies with a visiting Head of State is incredibly inappropriate and tactless," Elizabeth Heng, protocol aide in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in her message.

"Make sure your boss does not do this," she added.

The PM's Capitol visit included a speech to a joint meeting of the US Congress.

Ms Heng also sent out another helpful tip, as reported by Associated Press: "As a general practice, do not attempt to shake a head of state's hand unless they extend their hand first."

Apart from addressing the joint sitting of the US Congress, PM Modi attended four back to back meetings at the Hill.

He also attended a lunch hosted by House Speaker Paul Ryan and a reception hosted in his honour by the Senate and House foreign relations committees and the India Caucuses in the House and the Senate.

As he left the Capitol Hill, the Prime Minister broke protocol to reach out to members of the Indian community waiting outside, shaking hands with many of them.