MEA clarifies 'no questions' row during Modi-Trump meeting, calls it 'standard VVIP practice'

India has said its request concerning media arrangements during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump was part of its usual protocol for high-profile visits.

The clarification came after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor alleged that India had specifically asked that no questions be taken from journalists during the leaders' bilateral meeting at the G7 Summit in France.

MEA calls arrangements standard practice

Ministry of External Affairs sources said discussions about public appearances are routine before visits involving senior leaders.

"Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit. In this regard, the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such visits," MEA sources told Hindustan Times.

The sources also explained India's cautious approach towards interactions involving Trump.

“Delegations when meeting US President are wary about his unpredictable behaviour, as may be seen from his interactions with President of South Africa, UKraine etc. Thus, the cautious approach by India,” the sources added further.

What did the US ambassador say?

Gor had claimed that the Indian side specifically preferred that no questions be taken from the media during Modi's meeting with Trump.

“I told the president, I said, the Indians prefer no questions. He said, sure, no problem. So the meeting starts, the press comes in, there must have been 50 cameras, the president is sitting here, the prime minister is sitting there, they both speak for a few minutes. As soon as they get done, the first thing the president does, he looks up at the camera and says, any questions?” Gor claimed.

He said Trump's decision changed the nature of the interaction.

The US ambassador said that “a 45-minute press conference” followed, and that “everything was on the table”.

Modi raises seafarers' safety with Trump

During their G7 meeting, Modi also raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers amid attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

"Lakhs of Indian seafarers operate in maritime sector; I believe that their security is equally important,” PM Modi told Trump.

Trump responded by assuring India of US support.

Trump added that the US will "be there for India".

“If anybody attacks that man (pointing to Modi), we're gonna be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure," Trump added further.

The US president also indicated that he could visit India in the future.