The debate around a PM Modi Press Conference surfaced once again after the Ministry of External Affairs defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s preference for directly engaging with the public instead of interacting with journalists through formal press conferences. The remarks came during an official media briefing in New Zealand as the Prime Minister wrapped up his three-nation foreign tour. MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said Modi’s political style reflects his long-standing belief that public representatives should communicate directly with citizens rather than through intermediaries.

MEA says PM Modi prefers direct engagement with people

Responding to a question from journalists, Rudrendra Tandon said it would not be appropriate for a civil servant to comment on the Prime Minister’s political methods. However, he described PM Modi as a “quintessential Indian politician” whose communication style has been shaped by India’s electorate.

According to News 18, India’s voters, particularly those living in rural areas, value direct interaction with leaders. He said Prime Minister Modi has refined this approach over the years and continues to rely on direct outreach instead of conventional media interactions.

Tandon also pointed to Modi’s electoral success, noting that the Prime Minister is serving his third consecutive term, which he said reflects public acceptance of his communication strategy.

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Responding to a question from journalists, Rudrendra Tandon said it would not be appropriate for a civil servant to comment on the Prime Minister's political methods. (X)
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Responding to a question from journalists, Rudrendra Tandon said it would not be appropriate for a civil servant to comment on the Prime Minister’s political methods. (X)

PM Modi’s press conference debate has surfaced before

According to News 18, the PM Modi Press Conference issue is not new. Tandon recalled that a similar question was raised during the Prime Minister’s visit to Norway in May this year.

At that time, a Norwegian journalist questioned why Modi rarely takes questions from the media and referred to international press freedom rankings. The Indian government had defended its position, with MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George highlighting India’s democratic institutions and media landscape while rejecting criticism surrounding the issue.

The latest exchange in New Zealand indicates that the subject continues to attract attention during the Prime Minister’s overseas visits.

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Tandon also pointed to Modi's electoral success, noting that the Prime Minister is serving his third consecutive term, which he said reflects public acceptance of his communication strategy. (X)
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Tandon also pointed to Modi’s electoral success, noting that the Prime Minister is serving his third consecutive term, which he said reflects public acceptance of his communication strategy. (X)

Indo-Pacific cooperation remained the visit’s key focus

Beyond questions about media interactions, Tandon stressed that the primary objective of the visit was strengthening India’s partnership with New Zealand in promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific.

He said both countries share common interests in ensuring stability, security and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region, an area that remains central to India’s foreign policy priorities.