India requested no-question policy at Trump-Modi meeting: US ambassador
What's the story
The United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, has revealed that India had requested a no-question policy at the press conference following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Donald Trump. This meeting was held on June 17 during the G7 summit in France. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Gor said that while Trump initially agreed to this request, he forgot and invited questions from reporters, turning the event into a 45-minute press conference.
Pre-meeting discussion
MEA's request to 'bring in media'
Gor recalled a behind-the-scenes conversation with Trump before the meeting, where they discussed what topics might be raised by the Indian side.
He said, "he asked me, he goes, what the Indians are going to raise. We went over some topics."
The ambassador added that India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had one request: "Let's bring in the media, but let's not do a full press conference."
Request communicated
Trump agreed to no questions, but...
Gor then communicated India's preference for a no-question policy directly to Trump.
He said, "I told the president, I said, the Indians prefer no questions. He said, sure, no problem."
However, when the meeting started with journalists and cameras present, Trump turned to reporters after their opening remarks and asked if there were any questions.
This question opened up the interaction into a full-fledged press conference in which "everything was on the table."
Discussion topics
PM Modi raises concerns about Indian seafarers
During the meeting, PM Modi raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz after a US Navy attack killed three Indian mariners.
Trump downplayed these risks, calling seafaring a "rough profession."
The leaders also discussed the Strait of Hormuz and India-US trade relations, while tensions in West Asia were affecting shipping and energy supplies.
Security assurance
'If anybody attacks that man, we're gonna be there': Trump
Trump assured PM Modi that the US would stand by India if it was attacked. He said, "If anybody attacks that man, we're gonna be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure."
The meeting was crucial as both countries were negotiating a bilateral trade agreement and working toward closer economic ties.