Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-debated absence from traditional press conferences once again came under the spotlight—this time on foreign soil—as a New Zealand journalist questioned Indian diplomats about why the Prime Minister does not take questions from the media.
The exchange took place during Modi’s visit to New Zealand, the final stop of his three-nation tour, where discussions largely focused on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation.
During an interaction with Indian diplomats, a New Zealand journalist asked, “Why has PM Modi not done a press conference?”
Responding to the question, senior External Affairs Ministry official Rudrendra Tandon avoided commenting directly on the Prime Minister’s political strategy but defended Modi’s approach to public communication.
Tandon said it would not be appropriate for a civil servant to comment on the political methods of an elected leader. He, however, said Modi has built his political style around direct engagement with citizens instead of relying on traditional media platforms.
According to Tandon, Indian politicians generally prefer direct interaction with their electorate, adding that Modi has “perfected the art” of connecting with voters. He also pointed to Modi’s electoral success, noting that he is serving a third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
The question revives a debate that has featured prominently in Indian politics for years.
The Opposition has repeatedly criticised Modi for rarely addressing unscripted press conferences or taking questions from journalists, arguing that elected leaders should be directly accountable to the media.
The BJP, on the other hand, has consistently maintained that the Prime Minister communicates extensively with citizens through election rallies, Parliament speeches, interviews, social media, public addresses and his monthly radio programme, asserting that his outreach reaches millions directly.
The issue also surfaced during Modi’s visit to Norway earlier this year.
While leaving a joint media appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, journalist Helle Lyng asked Modi why he does not take questions from journalists.
The Prime Minister did not respond, and the moment was widely discussed across sections of the media and social media.
PM Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for what he described as a “historic” visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in around four decades.
During the visit, he met members of the Indian diaspora, attended cultural programmes and held bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening India-New Zealand ties.
The visit comes months after India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement following talks between Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with both countries seeking deeper economic and strategic cooperation.