In an unprecedented move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden are set to engage in a joint press conference during Modi’s state visit. This occasion marks a significant departure from Modi’s typical media interaction style, as he has not held a press conference in India since assuming office nearly a decade ago. The highly-anticipated event underscores the growing diplomatic ties between the U.S. and India, as well as Modi’s first state visit to the U.S. as Prime Minister.
According to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, the joint press conference holds great significance. Kirby expressed the administration’s gratitude for Modi’s participation and reinforced its importance in fostering international dialogue and understanding.
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The press conference will adopt a tightly controlled format. Questions will be fielded from pre-selected American and Indian journalists. As it stands, each leader will respond to a single question from both the U.S. and Indian press. This controlled approach aligns with the format traditionally employed in White House press conferences involving international leaders.
Many are eager to see if President Biden, urged by fellow Democrats, will raise human rights concerns during the press conference. This follows mounting worries about potential democratic regression in India under the Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi’s Hindu nationalist political party. It is yet to be seen how this topic will be navigated during the press event.
Throughout his term, Prime Minister Modi has traveled to the United States five times. However, this trip carries the additional weight and prestige of a formal state visit. As both leaders prepare to engage with the press, the global community watches closely for potential policy shifts and new diplomatic alignments.
This news is based on an article from the Malay Mail.
