In New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to US President Joe Biden, who arrived in the city to attend the G20 summit.
However, it was notable that media coverage of their meeting was strictly restricted, a departure from the usual practice of controlled access during such significant summits.
This decision by the Indian government follows Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to the United States in June, during which he agreed to field a question from a US reporter in Washington. Specifically, Wall Street reporter Sabrina Siddiqui had asked the Prime Minister about concerns related to coercion and violence against Muslims in India and allegations against certain ministers regarding human rights.
White House spokeswoman Karen Jean-Pierre expressed the importance of a free press in American democracy and pledged to make every effort to ensure that media representatives would have access to President Joe Biden’s meetings.
Conversely, US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan, while aboard Air Force One, emphasized the commitment to facilitating journalist access to the President’s activities.
However, upon their arrival in India, President Joe Biden was directed to the Indian Prime Minister’s residence, while the journalists accompanying him were prevented from disembarking.
