India wanted no questions at G7 summit in France but Trump ignored MEA’s request
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has claimed that at the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on June 17, India's Ministry of External Affairs had sought a media interaction without questions. However, according to the ambassador, Trump ignored MEAs request and went ahead taking questions from the media.
Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday, Gor recalled the meeting between Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on June 17.
According to Gor, the Ministry of External Affairs had made one specific request regarding the media interaction. “Let's bring in the media, but let's not do a full press conference,” he said, recounting the request.
Gor said he conveyed India's preference directly to Trump, telling him that the Indian side preferred no questions. Trump agreed, he said.
However, after Modi and Trump delivered their opening remarks before journalists, the US President turned towards the media and asked if there were any questions.
“And that opened everything up,” Gor said.
The interaction subsequently turned into a press conference that lasted around 45 minutes, with Modi seated alongside Trump. The meeting took place amid discussions on bilateral ties and other issues concerning India and the US.
