It's okay to meet the press. But journalists will not be allowed to ask questions. This is what the Indian Ministry of External Affairs demanded after the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump. But in the end, the US President forgot India's demand. Then Trump held a press conference for 45 minutes, answering questions. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore revealed this secret incident.
Modi sat in a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit. A few days before that, three Indian sailors died in the US attack in the Strait of Hormuz. In this situation, the two heads of state sat in the meeting. Gore then detailed what exactly happened. In an event, he said, “We were behind the stage. Then the President asked me what India wanted to talk about. He wanted to know if there were any demands from India. Then I said, India does not want questions from journalists. The President agreed.”
In the recent past, questions have been raised about Modi for not holding press conferences while visiting foreign countries. Journalists in Norway routinely challenge the Prime Minister. The opposition parties also attacked Modi.
But the picture changed as soon as the journalists arrived. Both the heads of state spoke for a few minutes in front of the camera. Then, out of habit, Trump said, “Any questions?” The US President forgets that the request not to take questions was made by India. In Gore's words, “After that one comment by the President, questions started coming one after another for the two heads of state. For about 45 minutes, various issues were discussed.” However, the Prime Minister did not answer any question.
New Delhi did not respond to the US ambassador's comments. However, in the recent past, questions have been raised about Modi because he did not hold press conferences while visiting foreign countries. Journalists in Norway routinely challenge the Prime Minister. The opposition parties also attacked Modi. It should be noted that since becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has not been seen holding a press conference even once. There is constant criticism about that. But the no-questions-asked request was not 'leaked' by any foreign representative in this way. Will New Delhi reciprocate with Gore's comments?