PM Modi Press Conference: Drought In India And Shower In US: Why India’s PM Finds His Voice Only on Foreign Soil?

In the grand theater of Indian democracy, there exists a peculiar phenomenon that would make even the most seasoned political satirist do a double-take. Our beloved Prime Minister, master of global stages and champion of “Vocal for Local,” has somehow managed to be more vocal in Washington than in Washim.

Let’s Start With The Great Indian Press Conference Drought

For ten years, Indian journalists have been playing a nationwide game of “Where’s Modi?”—not physically, mind you (he’s everywhere on billboards), but in terms of press accessibility. The score currently stands at:

• Press Conferences in India: 0
• Press Conferences Abroad: More, including notable appearances in the US
• Mann Ki Baat Episodes: Countless
• Scripted Interviews: Now you will forget how to count- because that’s infinite

For comparison, his predecessor, Dr. Manmohan Singh—often criticized for being too quiet—managed to conduct over 100 press conferences during his tenure. Oh, the irony!

The Tale of Two Democracies

When in Rome (or rather, Washington), our PM does as the Romans do. The stark contrast between his press interactions at home and abroad presents an fascinating study in political behavior:

Abroad:

• Takes unscripted questions
• Addresses controversial topics
• Engages in open dialogue
• Demonstrates remarkable English proficiency
• Shows comfort with challenging queries

At Home:

• Maintains strategic silence
• Prefers monologues over dialogues
• Favors controlled environments
• Opts for pre-recorded messages
• Chooses carefully curated interviews

The Adani Episode: A Case Study in Selective Communication

The recent press conference in the US following the meeting with President Trump provided a perfect illustration of this paradox. When asked about the Adani case—a question that would make Indian journalists salivate—the PM responded with philosophical flourish:

“India is a democracy, and our culture is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—we consider the whole world as one family.”

Probable Translation: “I can dodge questions in Sanskrit too!”

The Context

• US DOJ charged Gautam Adani with allegedly paying $250 million in bribes
• The case involved solar power contracts
• Trump’s executive order conveniently paused enforcement of the relevant law

The Numbers Game

Let’s break down this democratic deficit in numerical terms:

Press Conferences in 10 Years:

Modi: 0 (in India)

Manmohan Singh: 100+, and then people call “HIM” maun-mohan…I think the people calling him ‘maun-mohan’ have ‘maun-buddhi’!!!

Global Democratic Leaders (average): 20+ annually

Questions Answered:

 In India: Carefully scripted

 Abroad: Relatively spontaneous

Mann Ki Baat: Monologue only

Public Speeches: Oh, the dear friend, teleprompter.

Why This Art of Selective Accessibility?

Our PM has mastered what political scientists might call “strategic communication asymmetry,” or what common folks call “playing hard to get.” It’s like having a neighbor who never shows up for colony meetings but is the life of the party at international conferences.

What Gives Rise To Is The Democratic Disconnect?

This selective accessibility raises several important questions:

• Why does the world’s largest democracy’s leader avoid press conferences at home?
• How does this affect democratic discourse?
• What message does this send to the citizenry?
• Is Mann Ki Baat really a substitute for two-way communication?

The Global Stage Preference- Can We Call This An Outcome Of Colonial Hangover?

There’s something remarkably telling about a leader who finds it easier to address foreign media than domestic journalists. It’s like being the parent who’s strict at home but cool at parent-teacher meetings.

At The End

For a healthy democracy, press conferences shouldn’t be like solar eclipses—rare events that people mark on their calendars. They should be regular, routine, and robust.

In the end, this peculiar pattern of press accessibility reveals much about the state of our democracy. When a leader is more comfortable answering questions from foreign journalists than from their own country’s media, it’s not just a communication gap—it’s a democratic deficit.

Perhaps it’s time to remind ourselves that democracy isn’t just about elections every five years; it’s about constant dialogue, regular accountability, and yes, press conferences—even when the questions are uncomfortable.

Until then, Indian journalists will continue to watch their foreign counterparts ask questions they’ve been dying to ask for years, while practicing their Sanskrit for the next time they get a philosophical non-answer to a straightforward question.

Because in the world’s largest democracy, press conferences shouldn’t be like Indian parents’ approval of love marriages—theoretically possible but practically rare.