At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi, US envoy Sergio Gor recounted how India’s MEA asked that Trump and Modi face the media without taking questions. Trump agreed, then spontaneously invited questions, leading to an extended press conference. Indian officials later clarified that the “no questions” request reflected routine diplomatic practice, not a special gag order.
US AMBASSADOR TO INDIA SERGIO GOR has recently revealed some behind-the-scenes details about the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in June 2026. At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum (WLF) 2026, held on August 22, 2026, Gor stated that India had asked the US for “no questions” at the press conference, which was initially greenlighted by the President of the United States (POTUS).
However, Trump forgot about the request and asked the media persons present in the room for questions, leading to a 45-minute press conference with both leaders sitting right next to each other. Sergio Gor spoke about India’s strategic ties with the US, along with the relationship between Trump and PM Modi, at the WLF in New Delhi.
Gor recalled that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India had directed US officials that the leaders could address the media but avoid taking questions. Gor shared that, behind the scenes, at one point, it was just him and the POTUS, who asked about the questions Indians were going to raise. The duo had a brief discussion before appearing in front of the cameras. The bilateral meeting between Trump and Modi was taking place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.
“And he (Trump) said, do they have any asks? And the MEA had one ask, and it was, let’s bring in the media, but let’s not do a full press conference,” said Sergio Gor.
He further continued that he had told the President about the “no questions” request put forward by the MEA, which was initially approved by him. Gor said, quoting President Trump, “No problem.” He explained that when the meeting started, the press entered the room with around 50 cameras pointed at them. “As soon as they get done, the first thing the President does is he looks up at the camera and says, any questions?” recalled Sergio Gor.
As reported by ANI, government sources have clarified Gor’s statement, stating that the MEA’s request was part of the standard protocol.
According to the latest reports, government sources have stated that such arrangements ahead of a public appearance by a world leader are part of the standard protocol before any VVIP visit. The sources further added, “In this regard, the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such a visit.”
The Trump-Modi bilateral meeting was held on June 17, 2026, just days after the US military attack on the Settebello vessel for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. During the attack, three Indian seafarers were declared dead. During the meeting between the two leaders, PM Modi shared that the safety of Indian seafarers was an “utmost priority,” while Trump called the seafaring profession “tough.”
Sergio Gor also took a jibe at Indian television debates during the World Leaders Forum 2026, held in New Delhi. He talked about his love for getting home and watching Indian TV news shows, calling them “unbelievable.” Gor expressed his shock over the panel discussions, where multiple individuals talk simultaneously.
“I love getting back home and watching Indian TV news shows. The later it gets, the crazier the shows become,” said Gor. He further added that at 6 p.m., one can see eight people arguing, whereas at 10 p.m., “there are 12 people who are all speaking at the same time. You can't hear a single one of them. It's unbelievable that no one gets interrupted,” he added.
(Edited by Harsh Pandey)
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