India’s request to avoid press questions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in France was described by government sources as standard practice, but Trump disregarded it and turned the session into a 45‑minute press conference, NDTV reported.

The incident highlighted India’s cautious approach to Trump’s unpredictable behaviour and came amid tensions over Indian sailors killed in a US strike in the Strait of Hormuz.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs conveyed to the US side that it preferred no press interaction before the bilateral meeting in Évian‑les‑Bains on 17 June 2026.

According to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, the request was made shortly before the meeting and Trump initially agreed. Gor explained that the Indian delegation wanted media presence but no questions, a format often used to maintain clarity and avoid unexpected exchanges during VVIP visits.

Government sources later clarified that such discussions are routine protocol ahead of high‑level engagements.

They emphasised that arrangements for public appearances are always coordinated to ensure smooth proceedings. The Indian side communicated its standard practice, consistent with other VVIP visits, and did not intend the request to be unusual or restrictive.

Delegations meeting Trump have often been wary of his unpredictable behaviour, as seen in his interactions with leaders of South Africa and Ukraine.

India’s cautious approach was therefore aimed at preventing any awkward or uncontrolled exchanges. Gor recalled that behind the stage, Trump asked him what the Indians were going to raise. After going over topics, Gor told him the Indians preferred no questions. Trump responded, “Sure, no problem.”

Yet once the meeting began, Trump turned to the assembled reporters and asked, “Any questions?” This opened the floor to a full press conference lasting about 45 minutes, with Modi seated beside him as journalists directed most questions to Trump.

The timing of the meeting was sensitive. Just days earlier, Indian sailors had been killed in a US military strike during its war with Iran. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the human cost of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need to protect maritime trade routes.

Although he did not directly mention the incident, his remarks underlined India’s concerns about the safety of civilian crews in conflict zones and the economic consequences of disrupted commerce. Trump, however, downplayed the risks, describing seafaring as a “rough profession.”

The episode reflected both India’s diplomatic caution and Trump’s disregard for agreed protocols. While India sought to avoid unpredictable press exchanges, Trump’s spontaneous invitation to reporters shifted the dynamic of the meeting.

The Indian government has not officially commented on Gor’s account, but sources reiterated that the request was part of standard protocol and not an extraordinary measure.

The broader context of the Modi‑Trump meeting included discussions on trade, defence cooperation, and regional stability. Despite the press conference incident, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India–US strategic partnership. The incident nevertheless underscored the challenges of managing Trump’s unconventional style during sensitive diplomatic engagements.

Agencies