India responds to US envoy Sergio Gor’s account of a Modi-Trump interaction in France by saying that discussions about how leaders engage with the media are standard procedure ahead of any VVIP visit. Indian officials say New Delhi communicates its routine practices for such visits, including how press interactions should be handled.
Gor had said the Indian side’s “one ask” was for the media to be present but not for the encounter to become a full press conference. He added that he told Trump the Indians prefer no questions, and that Trump agreed, but later took questions after reporters were initially present. Outlets also note that the format shifted into a question-and-answer session lasting about 45 minutes, with Trump asking “Any questions?”
Overall, both sides describe the media arrangements as discussed in advance, but they differ on whether the understanding led to a no-questions format. The Indian response emphasizes normal protocol for VVIP engagements, while Gor’s remarks focus on how the interaction ultimately unfolded.
