New Delhi has clarified that discussions concerning the arrangements for a leader's public appearance, including interactions with the press, are considered "normal practice" and "standard policy" for high-level diplomatic visits. This statement from Indian government sources comes in response to recent remarks made by former US Ambassador Sergio Gor.

Mr. Gor claimed that India had requested the United States to ensure there were no questions from journalists during a specific interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-President Donald Trump. The former ambassador shared these details on a Saturday at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, where he recounted a conversation he had with Mr. Trump prior to their meeting. According to Mr. Gor, the request was made in the context of managing the media presence during the high-profile engagement.

The particular interaction in question occurred on June 17 in Evian-les-Bains, France. Mr. Gor stated that despite the alleged Indian request for no press questions, Mr. Trump ultimately "forgot" about this arrangement. Consequently, the then-US President proceeded to engage with the assembled journalists for an extended period, taking questions for approximately 45 minutes during the event. This outcome, according to Mr. Gor, demonstrated Mr. Trump's spontaneity, even in the face of pre-arranged protocols.

Officials within the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have underscored that such discussions are a routine and integral part of preparing for VVIP (Very Very Important Person) visits. These preliminary dialogues cover various aspects of public engagements, from scheduling and logistics to media protocols. The objective, sources indicated, is to ensure smooth proceedings and manage the public interface effectively during significant international gatherings, where leaders often have tight schedules and specific agendas to address.

The government's position highlights that engaging in dialogue about media arrangements is a conventional aspect of diplomatic preparations worldwide. It is framed as a standard operational procedure rather than an unusual demand. This approach, according to MEA sources, helps in streamlining the public interface of leaders and ensures that official messages are conveyed clearly, while also managing the practicalities of a leader's busy schedule. Such protocols are often established to allow leaders to focus on bilateral or multilateral discussions without unforeseen diversions during public appearances. The clarification aims to contextualise the reported request within established diplomatic norms, emphasizing that these are common practices in managing international relations and high-stakes meetings.