Such everyday habits tickle the imagination of those entrusted with the delicate task of choosing gifts for international guests.
India, for instance, discreetly enquired about what President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden may like, when Obama hosted Singh to his first state dinner after taking office in 2009.
Eventually, Singh gifted the well-read Obama five books, including an English translation of the Panchatantra, the stylish Michelle a beige pashmina shawl and the folksy Biden a statue of a jungle fowl rooster.
