India defends 'no questions' media request for Modi-Trump meet after Gor's remarks

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like The government on Monday responded to US ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks about the external affairs ministry seeking a “no questions” media interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump by saying this is the “standard practice” for foreign visits by the PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump exchange greetings at a joint press conference in Washington. (PTI)Gor said, while participating in a media conclave on Sunday, that the external affairs ministry had asked that there be no “full press conference” when Modi and Trump met on the margins of the G7 Summit in France on June 17. People familiar with the matter said that discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders ahead of any VVIP visit are “normal practice”. “In this regard, the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such visits,” one of the people said. Also Read | Trump forgot India's ‘no questions’ request at G7, held 45-min presser with PM Modi, claims US envoy Sergio Gor The people further said that foreign delegations meeting the US President are “wary about his unpredictable behaviour”. In this context, the people referred to Trump’s interactions with the Presidents of South Africa and Ukraine. “Thus, the cautious approach by India,” the person cited above said. While speaking at the media conclave on Sunday, Gor referred to the “deep and personal friendship” between Trump and Modi which, he said, makes his job easier. He also related an anecdote about the Trump-Modi meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit two months ago. “We were behind the stage, and at one point, it was just the President and I. And he asked me, ‘What are the Indians going to raise?’ We went over some topics and he said do they have any asks,” Gor said. “MEA had one ask…and it was let’s bring in the media, let’s not do a full press conference, no questions.” Gor said he told Trump the “Indians prefer no questions”. He added, “He [Trump] said, ‘Sure no problem’.” Also Read | ‘Death to America’ then show up for US visa? US envoy Sergio Gor warns applicants When the meeting started, the media entered with some 50 cameras, Gor said. Modi and Trump then spoke for a few minutes. “As soon as they get done, the first thing the President does, he looks up at the cameras and asks, ‘Any questions?’” he said During the meeting between the two leaders at the G7 Summit, they both made opening statements and then Trump answered questions from reporters for more than 15 minutes. Modi did not field any questions.