No time to nap: How PM Modi's New Zealand itinerary busts viral report

Just before Narendra Modi touched down in Auckland, a New Zealand media report went viral claiming that India has requested a schedule for the Prime Minister that "allows for nap times" due to his age. It seems somebody forgot to hand over the reporter a copy of PM Modi's Saturday schedule. The itinerary reveals a tightly packed diplomatic day, with non-stop engagements for 12 hours. The editors of the media outlet clearly seem to have been caught napping themselves.

The report, which was published by news outlet Stuff, was amplified by the Congress to take a swipe at PM Modi's health. The Prime Minister will turn 76 this year on September 17. The dubious report, with no clear attribution, claimed Modi's advance security team sought specific arrangements regarding his itinerary.

REPORT CLAIMS PM MODI SOUGHT 'NAP BREAK'

The report claimed it included dedicated "nap times" and a "preference for venues without stairs". It even went on to claim that the request stemmed from an incident six years ago when PM Modi fell on the stairs, a likely reference to a 2019 event in Kanpur. It further said the Prime Minister's age "provides extra complexities".

However, PM Modi's official schedule doesn't leave much visible room for rest. The Prime Minister landed in New Zealand late in the evening on July 10 following gruelling engagements in Australia during the day. New Zealand is the final leg of his three-nation tour, which began with a visit to Indonesia.

PM Modi's engagements started at 9.30 am (New Zealand time), where he received a traditional Maori welcome at the Government House in Auckland. There, PM Modi held a one-on-one meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, followed by delegation-level talks and exchanged MoUs.

The nations decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a "strategic partnership" - a decisive move that will help bolster New Delhi's ties in the Asia-Pacific region. The countries also pledged to double trade by 2030.

PM MODI'S SCHEDULE BUSTS REPORT

From there, the Prime Minister attended the India-New Zealand Business Event with leading CEOs. His next stop was a Sporting Showcase event, before sitting down with New Zealand opposition Leader Chris Hipkins for a meeting.

Squeezed in between was a lunch hosted by the New Zealand Prime Minister. Thus, from 9.30 am to 1 pm, PM Modi had a jam-packed schedule. No time for an afternoon siesta or a power nap.

The day's final engagement is, perhaps, one of its biggest. PM Modi and Luxon will jointly address a gathering of more than 10,000 members of the Indian community.

Soon after the event, PM Modi will depart from New Delhi, taking an 18-20 hour flight back home. It will be a whirlwind 24 hours for the Prime Minister, which includes hectic meetings, talks, and speeches.

What is startling is the news itself. Even if a leader's itinerary during a demanding multi-nation tour includes rest breaks, is that really news? After all, Modi's visit to New Zealand was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.

The Prime Minister is known to be a workaholic, and routinely campaigns for the BJP during elections.

"That he (PM Modi) requires frequent naps sounds made up. He often heads to some political rally soon after landing from a foreign trip. When all else fails, make age the issue," entrepreneur and political commentator Ram Prasad tweeted.

- Ends