‘Déjà Vu’: New Zealand Journalist Questions PM Modi’s Lack Of Press Conferences, Diplomat Responds
'Déjà Vu': New Zealand Journalist Questions PM Modi's Lack Of Press Conferences, Diplomat Responds
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New Zealand visit, a journalist questioned why he does not hold press conferences. A senior Indian diplomat responded by describing Modi’s preference for direct public engagement.
A question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s media interactions resurfaced during his official visit to New Zealand after a local journalist asked why the Indian leader does not hold press conferences.
The exchange took place during an interaction between Indian diplomats and the media as Modi concluded his three-nation tour, which focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
Addressing the briefing, the journalist asked, “Why has PM Modi not done a press conference?”
Responding to the query, Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said it would not be appropriate for him, as a civil servant, to comment on the Prime Minister’s political methods.
“It’s not appropriate for me as a civil servant to question Modi’s political method. He is a very successful politician. But let me give you some context,” Tandon said.
Explaining the Prime Minister’s communication style, Tandon said Modi prefers engaging directly with citizens rather than communicating through intermediaries.
“Prime Minister Modi is a quintessential Indian politician. By and large, Indian politicians favour direct contact with their electorate. They want direct contact. They don’t like being spoken down to. They don’t like being spoken to through intermediaries,” he said.
He added that Modi has built his political approach around this style of communication.
“Modi has perfected the art of direct contact with his electorate. And he seems to be doing a rather good job of it since, you know, he’s been elected. He’s in his third term. He’s one of the longest-serving prime ministers in our country,” Tandon said.
Similar question raised during Norway visit
The question is not new. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Norway in May, a similar moment occurred after a joint media appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
As Modi was leaving the venue, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng called out, asking why he does not take questions from journalists. The Prime Minister did not respond, and the exchange later sparked discussions across sections of the media and on social media.
Referring to the latest exchange in New Zealand, Tandon jokingly remarked, “Déjà vu,” acknowledging the similarity with the Norway incident before answering the question.
Historic visit to New Zealand
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for what he described as a historic visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades.
During the visit, India and New Zealand focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, education, technology and mobility. Modi also said the proposed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement would create new opportunities for businesses and professionals in both countries.
To mark the occasion, Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour, symbolising the growing partnership between the two nations.
The visit concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic ties and deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
