In a rare sighting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take two questions at a press conference that he is scheduled to attend with United States President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday.
PM Modi has not addressed a single press conference since he became the prime minister in 2014. In 2019, it was suddenly announced that Modi would address the first press conference on the occasion of completion of his five-year term at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in Delhi -- but he didn't answer any questions posed by journalists.
Indian authorities' last minute approval
The Indian authorities had initially objected to the White House’s proposal that Modi and Biden hold a joint press conference, two unidentified US officials told CNN. Indian authorities had insisted on joint statements by the leaders after which the two would not take any questions.
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However, on the eve of Modi's visit, Indian officials agreed to the press event after “lengthy and delicate” negotiations, according to CNN.
Press conference format
The compromise that was struck was that the leaders would hold a “one-and-one,” wherein they would call on one reporter from each side rather than the conventional “two-and-two,” wherein each leader would call on two reporters from their press corps.
This means that the event on Thursday will allow only one question from the US press and one from an Indian journalist.
When asked about the development, White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters, “We’re just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is going to be participating in a press event at the end of the visit. We think that’s important and we’re glad that he thinks that’s important too.”
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PM Modi's history with press conferences
In January 2015, the then US president Barack Obama visited India as chief guest of Republic Day. One question each from Indian and US media were directed to the leaders at the joint press event.
The Associated Press posed questions to Modi on climate change agreement between China and US and whether the Paris CoP summit will produce any substantial result without commitment on reductions from India, according to a report by The Wire.
For Obama, the American reporter posed questions on the situation in Yemen and Ukraine.The Indian reporter from ABP news only asked questions regarding “details” and the “friendship” between the two leaders.
In November 2015, Modi attended a joint press conference with UK prime minister David Cameron. Several questions regarding rising intolerance in India and on his record as Gujarat chief minister were asked, according to the UK government's website.
Meanwhile, elaborate preparations are being made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the joint session of US Senate and House on Thursday. Several members of the US Democratic party have announced that they would be boycotting the speech in protest against alleged abuse of human rights in India.
