On Thursday, a senior White House official announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden would face questions from the media during a joint news conference.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby described the joint presser as a “big deal”.
“We are just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is participating in a press event at the end of the visit. We think that’s important and we’re glad he thinks that’s important too,” Kirby was quoted by Reuters as saying.
He said one question would be asked from the US press and one from an Indian journalist.
Press conferences held at the White House with other world leaders have been strictly regulated, with US officials appointing reporters from the American and international media in advance for Biden and his guest to call upon, and a very small number of questions allowed.
Tuesday marked PM Modi’s arrival in the US to start his four-day State visit. He led the International Day of Yoga celebrations while at the UN’s New York headquarters. He also had encounters with a number of technocrats, corporate leaders, and well-known figures.
