In a revelation that has caught the attention of international media, the White House has indicated that the Indian administration has not been forthcoming in granting increased press access in the lead-up to the G20 summit. This comes despite the U.S. administration’s multiple entreaties for enhanced media accessibility during President Joe Biden’s visit to India.
The forthcoming G20 summit, which is generating significant global interest, will witness President Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convening in New Delhi. However, reporters accompanying the U.S. President will not have the opportunity to pose questions to the two leaders during this high-profile meeting. This decision remains unchanged despite persistent requests from the U.S. administration advocating for more expansive press access, as highlighted by the Independent.
Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, shed light on the unique nature of this visit. He remarked, “The meeting is set to occur at the Prime Minister’s residence, distinguishing it from regular bilateral visits to India. The G20 host, Prime Minister Modi, is welcoming numerous global leaders in his personal residence, and he has delineated specific protocols for this occasion.”
Sullivan further underscored the U.S. administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency and press freedom. He candidly shared that the administration has consistently lobbied for a pool spray during the meeting, a practice that is standard when President Biden welcomes international leaders at the White House. Elaborating on this, he humorously commented on the administration’s persistent efforts, saying, “Our commitment to ensuring press access is unwavering. We are constantly advocating for pool sprays and similar provisions for the media.”
Prime Minister Modi’s approach to the press has been a topic of international discussion. He has faced criticism from global press freedom organizations, which have expressed concerns about perceived curbs on independent journalism in India, as noted by Al Jazeera. It’s noteworthy that Prime Minister Modi has seldom entertained impromptu questions from the press since he assumed office.
In a significant development earlier in June, during a state visit to the U.S., Modi consented to participate in a press conference at the White House. This decision was reached after intricate and prolonged discussions between the two nations. It was revealed that there was initial hesitancy from the Indian side, especially given the White House’s emphasis on holding the press conference.
The U.S. administration has not shied away from addressing concerns related to press freedom and humanitarian issues in India. This was evident when, during Modi’s June visit, several Democratic lawmakers, including notable figures like Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, abstained from attending Modi’s address to Congress. Their reservations were rooted in concerns about the treatment of Muslim minorities in India.
However, the broader relationship between the U.S. and India remains robust and cordial. This was exemplified when President Biden extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi at the White House. The occasion was marked with a grand state dinner, a significant diplomatic gesture, and only the third such event during Biden’s tenure. This celebration underscored the shared democratic values and mutual respect between the two nations.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, articulated the administration’s relentless efforts to ensure media access during President Biden’s India visit. She highlighted that a plethora of officials, including Sullivan, Ben LaBolt, Jon Finer, and Kurt Campbell, engaged with their Indian counterparts, championing the cause of enhanced press access. Their endeavors, however, did not yield the desired outcome.
Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration’s commitment, stating, “Our dedication to ensuring smooth press access is unwavering. We have approached the Indian administration at various levels, making our case for enhanced media accessibility. The onus now lies with the Indian government to elucidate their stance.”
In a subsequent development, it was revealed that President Biden, instead of addressing the media post the G20 summit in New Delhi, will conduct a press conference in Vietnam. The rationale provided by the White House for this decision was logistical convenience. Jean-Pierre clarified this move, stating that the nature of the press conference remains unchanged, with the only difference being the location.
In addition to the anticipated bilateral meeting with Modi, Sullivan indicated that the G20 summit might not witness many formal interactions between President Biden and other global leaders. He stated, “Given the structure of the summit’s schedule, we anticipate that most of President Biden’s interactions with global leaders will be informal and not structured bilateral meetings.”
