NEW DELHI, AUGUST 24: The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday described discussions over media arrangements during high-level meetings as a routine part of VVIP visits, responding to US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s claim that India had specifically requested that no questions be taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump.
MEA sources said such consultations were part of established diplomatic practice and that the Indian side had communicated its standard approach ahead of the leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.
“Delegations when meeting US President are wary about his unpredictable behaviour, as may be seen from his interactions with President of South Africa, Ukraine etc. Thus, the cautious approach by India,” the sources said.
The clarification came after Gor recounted the circumstances surrounding the Modi-Trump interaction, saying the Indian side had preferred that the media not ask questions during the meeting.
“I told the president, I said, the Indians prefer no questions. He said, sure, no problem,” Gor said, according to the account.
However, Trump subsequently invited questions after the two leaders finished their opening remarks, prompting what Gor described as a lengthy media interaction.
“As soon as they get done, the first thing the president does, he looks up at the camera and says, any questions?” the ambassador said.
Gor said the move effectively opened up the interaction, leading to what he described as a “45-minute press conference” in which “everything was on the table.”
The episode took place during Modi’s meeting with Trump at the G7 Summit, where the two leaders also discussed maritime security amid the continuing conflict between the US and Iran.
Modi raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region, stressing the importance of protecting them amid increased attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Lakhs of Indian seafarers operate in maritime sector; I believe that their security is equally important,” Modi told Trump.
Trump, in response, assured Modi of US support and said Washington would “be there for India”.
“If anybody attacks that man (pointing to Modi), we’re gonna be there. Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure,” Trump said.
The US president also indicated that he could visit India in the future, adding another dimension to the high-level engagement between the two countries.
