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

Published 11 July 2026 · india

Why Doesn't PM Modi Hold Press Conferences? MEA Says He Is A 'Quintessential Politician, Prefers Direct Contact’ Published By, Last Updated: July 11, 2026, 15:33

Why Doesn't PM Modi Hold Press Conferences? MEA Says He Is A 'Quintessential Politician, Prefers Direct Contact’ Published By, 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. MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon. (Photo: PTI) 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.