A seemingly routine media briefing during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand turned into a talking point after Indian High Commissioner Rudrendra Tandon responded with a humorous “Déjà Vu” when asked why the Prime Minister had not addressed a formal press conference. The light-hearted remark quickly grabbed attention, reigniting discussions about Modi’s long-standing approach to media interactions.
Journalist’s Question Triggers Laughter
During the Ministry of External Affairs briefing in Auckland, a New Zealand journalist asked why Prime Minister Modi had not held a press conference with local media during his visit.
Rather than reacting defensively, Tandon smiled and responded, “Your question is causing some déjà vu,” prompting laughter among those present before he elaborated on the government’s position.
Envoy Explains Modi’s Communication Style
Clarifying that he could not comment on the Prime Minister’s political decisions, Tandon said it would be inappropriate for a civil servant to evaluate the communication strategy adopted by the country’s elected leader.
He added, “I’m a civil servant. It’s not appropriate for me to question the Prime Minister’s political method. For context, India’s voters prefer direct contact. Prime Minister Modi perfected that and is one of our longest-serving Prime Ministers.”
According to the envoy, Modi has consistently relied on direct public outreach through speeches, public events and digital platforms instead of traditional press conferences.
‘Déjà Vu’ Remark Revives Earlier Overseas Episode
The ambassador’s response was widely interpreted as a reference to a similar incident during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Norway earlier this year, where a foreign journalist had raised an almost identical question regarding his absence from press conferences.
That exchange had generated significant discussion internationally, making the Auckland question feel like a repeat of an earlier episode.
Modi’s Media Strategy Back in Spotlight
The Auckland interaction has once again brought attention to the Prime Minister’s communication model, which prioritises direct engagement with citizens over question-and-answer sessions with the media.
Supporters argue that Modi reaches millions through rallies, public addresses and digital platforms, while critics continue to question the limited number of formal press conferences during his tenure.
With the ambassador’s witty response now circulating widely online, the conversation around the Prime Minister’s media engagement has once again become a subject of public and political discussion.
Q1. Why did the journalist ask about PM Modi’s press conferences?
The question was raised during a media briefing in Auckland, where a New Zealand journalist asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not held a formal press conference during his visit.
Q2. What was Indian High Commissioner Rudrendra Tandon’s response?
Tandon smiled and replied, “Your question is causing some déjà vu,” before explaining that it was not appropriate for a civil servant to comment on the Prime Minister’s political communication strategy.
Q3. What did the Indian envoy say about PM Modi’s communication style?
Tandon said PM Modi prefers direct engagement with citizens through public outreach and that India’s voters have consistently supported this approach.
Q4. Why did Tandon say ‘Déjà Vu’?
His remark appeared to reference a similar question asked to Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Norway earlier this year, where a journalist also questioned his absence from press conferences.
Q5. Does PM Modi regularly hold press conferences?
Prime Minister Modi generally communicates through public speeches, interviews, digital platforms and official addresses rather than frequent formal press conferences.
