New Zealand journalist questions PM Modi's lack of press conferences
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand, a local journalist asked why he does not hold press conferences. The question was posed during an interaction with Indian diplomats in Auckland.
Senior Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official Rudrendra Tandon responded, defending Modi's communication style. "It's not appropriate for me as a civil servant to question Modi's political method. He is a very successful politician. But let me give you some context," Tandon said.
Tandon explains Modi's direct engagement with voters
Tandon described Modi as a leader who prefers direct contact with the electorate rather than through intermediaries. "Prime Minister Modi is a quintessential Indian politician. By and large, Indian politicians favour direct contact with their electorate. 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 Modi has perfected this approach, noting his electoral success. "Modi has perfected the art of direct contact with his electorate. And he seems to be doing a rather good job of it since he's been elected. He's in his third term. He's one of the longest-serving prime ministers in our country," Tandon said.
Similar question raised during Norway visit in May
A similar incident occurred during Modi's visit to Norway in May. At a joint media appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo, journalist Helle Lyng called out to Modi as he was leaving, asking why he does not take questions from journalists. Modi did not respond, sparking discussion in media and on social media.
Modi's historic New Zealand visit
Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for what he called a "historic" visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades. Auckland's Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour to mark the occasion. The 328-metre landmark was lit up as a special gesture to welcome the Prime Minister.
During the visit, Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and attended cultural programmes showcasing performances from different parts of India.
India-New Zealand relations strengthened
The visit follows the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand in April, after bilateral talks between Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during Luxon's visit to India in March 2025. Both countries have since sought to deepen economic, trade and strategic cooperation.
