Politics · India Bureau
India cited Trump unpredictability in skipping joint presser with Modi
New Delhi opted against a full press conference with US President Donald Trump during bilateral talks in France in June due to concerns about his unpredictable conduct towards foreign leaders, government sources revealed Monday. The clarification followed public disclosure by a US envoy that India had requested the two leaders avoid taking questions.
LSN India ·
India's decision to forgo a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting in Evian-les-Bains last month was driven by apprehension over the American leader's "unpredictable behaviour" towards many foreign counterparts, government sources said on Monday.
The clarification emerged after US envoy Sergio Gor publicly stated that New Delhi had communicated its preference to skip a question-and-answer session involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump. Indian officials stressed that discussions about leaders' public appearances represent standard diplomatic protocol and routine practice in bilateral engagements.
Modi and Trump held talks on June 17 during the G7 summit, with observers describing the meeting as a constructive development in bilateral relations following a period of considerable tension. The interaction was seen as an effort to reset ties between the two nations.
The incident underscores growing concerns about the pace of India-US relations, with key initiatives such as a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement remaining stalled. The fresh controversy highlights ongoing questions about the depth and momentum of engagement between New Delhi and Washington, despite the strategic importance both nations assign to their partnership.