Why Doesn't PM Modi Hold Press Conferences? MEA Says He Is A 'Quintessential Politician, Prefers Direct Contact’

Last Updated:July 11, 2026, 15:33 IST

MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon's remarks come months after a Norwegian journalist raised a similar question during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Oslo in May.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-nation tour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said the PM is a “quintessential" Indian politician who believes in engaging directly with the common people rather than communicating through intermediaries.

The remarks came after MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon was asked during a media briefing in New Zealand why the Prime Minister had not held a press conference or interacted with journalists during his official visit.

Responding to the question, Tandon said it was not appropriate for him, as a civil servant, to comment on the Prime Minister’s political style.

‘PM Modi has perfected the art of direct contact’

Tandon said the question reminded him of a similar one raised during the Prime Minister’s visit to Norway earlier this year. “So you know, your question has that quality of déjà vu, because see, it’s not appropriate for me as a civil servant to question Mr. Modi’s political method, he’s a very successful politician," he said.

Providing context, Tandon described Modi as a “quintessential Indian politician".

“Prime Minister Modi is a quintessential Indian politician. By and large, Indian politicians favour direct contact with their electorate," he said.

According to Tandon, India’s electorate is predominantly rural and prefers direct interaction with political leaders. “And you must remember that the Indian electorate are predominantly rural folk. They want direct contact. They don’t like being spoken down to, they don’t like being spoken to through intermediaries," he said.

He added that the Prime Minister had mastered this approach to public engagement.

“And Mr. Modi has perfected the art of direct contact with his electorate, and he seems to be doing a rather good job of it, since you know, he’s been elected now, he’s in his third term, he’s one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in our country," Tandon said.

Indo-Pacific partnership

Speaking about the objectives of the Prime Minister’s visit, Tandon said one of the key priorities was strengthening the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the rule-based Indo-Pacific order. One of the reasons we look at New Zealand as a significant partner in this part of the world is because of our joint quest for strengthening the rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific, which is very important for India as an Indian Ocean nation," he said.

The MEA said cooperation with New Zealand in promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific remained an important aspect of the visit.

Similar question raised during Norway visit

Tandon’s remarks come months after a Norwegian journalist raised a similar question during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Oslo in May.

During a joint media interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the journalist asked why Modi did not take questions from the media and also referred to the rankings of India and Norway in the World Press Freedom Index.

At the time, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic institutions and media environment.

“We hear a lot of people asking why this, why that, but let me tell you this. We are one sixth of the total population of the world, but not one sixth of the problems of the world," George had said.

The latest remarks from the MEA came in response to similar questions during the Prime Minister’s visit to New Zealand, where officials maintained that Modi’s political approach has consistently centred on direct engagement with the people.

About the Author

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen...Read More

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