'Standard policy for VVIP visits': MEA sources on Sergio Gor's alleged 'no questions' remark during PM Modi-Trump meet

The government on Monday clarified that discussions about arrangements for a leader's public appearance are a "normal practice" and part of the "stand policy for VVIP visits."This clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs comes after US ambassador to India Sergio Gor alleged that India had "specifically requested" that no questions be taken during the Modi-Trump meeting (REUTERS)"Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit. In this regard, the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such visits," MEA sources told HT.This clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs comes after US ambassador to India Sergio Gor alleged that India had "specifically requested" that no questions be taken from media during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.PM Modi met with President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.During this, the two leaders held a joint press conference, during which Gor stated that the Indian government had stated that no questions will be taken from the media.“I told the president, I said, the Indians prefer no questions. He said, sure, no problem. So the meeting starts, the press comes in, there must have been 50 cameras, the president is sitting here, the prime minister is sitting there, they both speak for a few minutes. As soon as they get done, the first thing the president does, he looks up at the camera and says, any questions?” Gor claimed, adding that the remark “opened everything up”.The US ambassador said that “a 45-minute press conference” followed, and that “everything was on the table.”Also Read | Trump forgot India's ‘no questions’ request at G7, held 45-min presser with PM Modi, claims US envoy Sergio GorWhat happened at the G7 summit?During the meeting with Trump at the G7 Summit, PM Modi raised the issue of safety of seafarers amid increased ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran."Lakhs of Indian seafarers operate in maritime sector; I believe that their security is equally important,” PM Modi told Trump.Trump added that the US will "be there for India."“If anybody attacks that man (pointing to Modi), we're gonna be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure," Trump added further. The US President also hinted at a visit to India in the future.