'Big deal': PM Modi, Biden to address press conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join United States (US) President Joe Biden to address a press conference on Thursday, the White House said. Calling the event a "big deal," John Kirby, the White House's national security spokesperson, said, "We are just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is participating in a press event at the end of the visit."
Why does this story matter?
A press conference is rare for Modi as he has never addressed one since coming to power in 2014. In 2019, the PM attended one press conference but did not take any questions. He has mostly taken media questions in one-on-one interviews. Thursday's press meet is also expected to be tightly controlled as US officials designate reporters beforehand.
Indian officials initially objected to press meet: Report
Issuing his statement, Kirby further stated, "We think that [press meet] is important, and we're glad [Modi] thinks that's important too." Reuters reported that the format of the conference will include one question from the US press and one from the Indian side. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Indian officials initially objected to the White House's proposal that Modi and Biden hold a press meet.
Modi to address US Congress
Modi, who has visited the US five times as prime minister, is on his maiden official state visit to the country. Earlier, Biden hosted him for a state dinner, during which both leaders exchanged gifts. Modi is scheduled to address the joint session of the US Congress later, which will reportedly be boycotted by several lawmakers, including Bernie Sanders, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
