Why Does Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Avoid Answering Journalists’ Questions During Overseas Visits?
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced controversy for not responding to journalists’ questions during his European tour.
Following the controversy, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of safeguarding the country’s democracy. This marks the second time the government has had to respond to similar concerns during Modi’s foreign visits.
At a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, a female journalist requested Prime Minister Modi to answer media questions, but he did not respond.
In European countries, it is a long-standing tradition for journalists to ask questions during foreign leaders’ visits.
Norwegian journalist Hel Ling also raised human rights questions during a briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs. A senior ministry official responded by presenting India as a civilized nation.
On a previous occasion, after a press conference at the government guesthouse in Oslo with Modi and Prime Minister Støre, Hel Ling asked questions.
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Explanation Expected from Ministry of External Affairs
Hel Ling asked, “Prime Minister Modi, why do you refuse to answer questions from the world’s free press? Are you trustworthy for the government?”
Prime Minister Modi did not respond to this question.
The question from Hel Ling has sparked widespread debate in India as well. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described Modi as avoiding questions out of fear.
Vargis K. George, Delhi editor of India’s leading English daily ‘The Hindu,’ commented on this issue on the social media platform X.
“There can be many concerns regarding journalism and democracy in India. However, holding Norway as the ultimate standard for democracy or journalism ignores the unique circumstances of different countries…”
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During Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, local journalists also protested not being allowed to ask questions at press conferences.
Senior official C.B. George from the Ministry of External Affairs clarified, “We face such questions due to a lack of understanding on the part of those asking them.”
Questions Raised During Germany Visit
At a briefing, C.B. George was asked whether the leaders of the host countries invited to the visits urged the Indian side to answer media questions or not.
He responded that the Ministry would handle answers to questions raised regarding the Prime Minister’s visits.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Germany in 2022. At that time, Olaf Scholz was the Chancellor. It is customary in Germany for a foreign leader meeting the Chancellor to face questions from the media, but Modi’s visit broke this tradition.
Later, Richard Walker, Chief International Editor of German broadcaster DW, raised this issue. On social media platform X, he wrote, “Modi and Scholz have an event in Berlin where 14 agreements will be announced. But at the Indian side’s request, no questions will be raised.”
DW reported that journalists were not allowed to ask questions at the joint press conference of Modi and Scholz because it was Modi’s request.
A year after the Germany trip, in June 2023, Modi visited the United States. At a press conference with then-US President Joe Biden, Modi answered two questions from journalists.
Western media regarded this as a rare occurrence, although the press conference conducted by Biden was not open to the general media.
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Modi Responded During US Visit
According to the news agency AP, “Indian officials agreed on this event only a day prior. US administration officials informed Modi’s advisors that media questions would be answered during the White House state visit.”
Of the two questions addressed to Narendra Modi, one was by an Indian journalist regarding climate change, and the other was by an American journalist on human rights.
Answering questions on human rights and democracy, Modi said, “Democracy flows in our veins. There is no place for discrimination in our democracy.”
It is rare for Prime Minister Modi to answer journalists’ questions. Since becoming Prime Minister, he has not responded to questions at press conferences within India either. In May 2019, Modi held a press conference but took no questions; at that time, Amit Shah answered queries instead.
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Why Does Modi Avoid Press Conferences?
In a May 2024 interview with ‘India Today,’ Modi was asked about his style of avoiding press conferences. He gave a detailed response.
“Most in power tend to use the media for their own partisanship. This has become a culture here. They think if they don’t have to do anything themselves and just use the media, that’s enough… I do not want to follow that path. I want to work hard. I want to reach the doors of poor people.”
Modi claimed to have established a ‘new work culture’ and stated that even without traditional media, he can directly communicate with the people.
He alleged that in the past, media was not open anywhere, but now journalists have begun to be ideologically close.
“Previously, people didn’t pay attention to who the analyst was or what their ideology was; now times have changed,” Modi said.
According to French political analyst Christophe Jaffrelot speaking to ‘The Diplomat’ magazine, “Modi refuses press conferences or open discussions because his narratives depict an India that doesn’t truly exist.”
Jaffrelot explains that Modi creates a sweet, imagined world that presents an attractive image.
Modi does not want to hear questions on sensitive issues like China’s aggression or widespread unemployment in India.
Thus, for Modi, communication appears to be a “one-way flow”.
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