Background and Gor's Account

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum that India's Ministry of External Affairs had asked that journalists be allowed into the meeting room but that there be no questions from reporters. According to Gor, the request was conveyed to President Donald Trump before his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Evian-les-Bains on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June.

Gor recounted that Trump wanted to know what India planned to raise, and whether it had any specific requests. "The MEA had one ask. He said, and it was, let's bring in the media, but let's not do a full press conference," Gor said. The ambassador said he told Trump: "The Indians prefer no questions", to which Trump replied, "Sure, no problem."

Disagreement with Trump's Actions

Gor said that despite this understanding, Trump opened the floor and called for questions, turning the interaction into a 45-minute press conference – with "everything on the table". The encounter began with reporters and about 5-cameras in the room, Gor said. When it became a press conference, attention was directed largely at Trump. The Indian government noted that Modic was not asked a single question, and that reporting journalists focused their questions on his US counterpart.

Government's Response

According to government sources, India responded saying that discussions over such appearances are "normal practice" ahead of any VVIP visit. Sources emphasised that the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such visits.

Officials also highlighted what they called Trump's unpredictable patches in public settings, citing his interventions with the presidents of South Africa and Ukraine. This, they said, contributed to India's cautious approach in seeking to limit the media format to a photo opportunity and opening remarks. The standard practice for the Indian government, they noted, has been to avoid unscripted pressers with visiting or welcome dignitaries.

Context and Other Issues

The meeting took place after the reported incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where Trump was told that the MEA wanted to do away with the full press conference. Trump, however, said that one would not see a clip of him pushing a 100 percent tariff bill on India, that "the White House" was not advocating such a measure, and that the two sides are close to a trade deal.

PM Modi told Trump that the safety of Indian seafarers is "of the utmost importance" as they work in regions facing drone and missile attacks.

Separately, at the same forum, Gor: spoke about Indian television debate shows, saying they get "crazier" later at night, and joked that watching Indian news at home after work is a hobby. He also weighed in on fake news and visa policies.

Perspectives

Government of India: Sources described the media arrangement as part of standard protocol, saying it appears to be "normal practice" for VVIP foreign visits. They added that India communicated its standard practice. They also said Trump's handling of the press in adversarial situations made caution necessary.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor: Gor said that despite an agreement to allow the media but avoid a full press conference, Trump regretted the request and opened the floor to reporters, resulting in a lengthy press interaction. He also noted that India had a preference for a no-questions format and that this is not unusual.