Donald Trump's volatility may have made India decline G7 presser
The Indian government defended its decision to forgo a joint press conference with Donald Trump during the G7 summit, citing concerns over the former U.S. President's unpredictable behavior. Officials noted that previous interactions between Trump and other world leaders had devolved into awkward public confrontations.
Why it matters
It highlights the diplomatic challenges and strategic caution exercised by foreign governments when managing media optics with volatile political figures.
NEW DELHI: Govt justified its decision not to have a news conference after PM Modi's meeting with President Donald Trump on the margins of the G7 summit in France, with official sources citing Trump's "unpredictable behaviour" at media events that have followed his meetings with heads of state/govt, including from South Africa and Ukraine.US ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier created a stir with his remarks about how ministry of external affairs had called to limit media interaction to photo opportunities and opening remarks without taking questions. Despite the request from MEA, as Gor had said, Trump went on to have a 45-minute unscripted news conference at the media event.
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