Thanks For Inviting, But...: PM Modi Turns Down Trumps US Visit Invite
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that he declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit Washington, opting instead to return to India. The invitation was extended during a 35-minute phone call between the two leaders while PM Modi was attending the G7 Summit in Canada. Trump had invited PM Modi for a dinner in Washington, but the Prime Minister politely declined due to prior commitments, saying that he "needed to return to the land of sacred Mahaprabhu."
Addressing a public rally in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, PM Modi mentioned that he preferred to return to the "land of Lord Jagannath" or "Maha Prabhu's dharti," highlighting his commitment to his cultural roots and duties back home.
"Just two days ago, I was in Canada for the G7 summit and the US President Trump called me. He said, since you have come to Canada, go via Washington, we will have dinner together and talk. He extended the invitation with great insistence. I told the US President, thank you for the invitation. It is very important for me to go to the land of Mahaprabhu and hence I politely declined his invitation and your love and devotion to Mahaprabhu brought me to this land," says PM Narendra Modi.
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: "Just two days ago, I was in Canada for the G7 summit and the US President Trump called me. He said, since you have come to Canada, go via Washington, we will have dinner together and talk. He extended the invitation with great insistence. I told the… pic.twitter.com/MdLsiYnNCQ — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2025
He further said, "When the BJP government in Odisha is completing its first year, all of you are busy preparing for the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Mahaprabhu is our idol and inspiration and with the blessings of Mahaprabhu, the issues related to the Sri Mandir have also been resolved. I congratulate Mohan ji and his government for respecting the requests of crores of devotees. As soon as the government was formed here, all the four doors of the Sri Mandir were opened. The Ratna Bhandar of the Sri Mandir has also been opened and this is not a matter of political victory or defeat. This has been done to respect the faith of crores of devotees."
During their phone call, PM Modi and President Trump discussed various topics, and Trump expressed support for India's efforts. PM Modi also extended an invitation to Trump to visit India for the next Quad summit, which Trump accepted enthusiastically.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the first anniversary celebration of the BJP's government in Odisha, marking his sixth visit to the state since the government took office in June 2024. During the event, PM Modi launched 105 development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore, covering key sectors such as health infrastructure, drinking water and irrigation and National Highways and Railway Infrastructure.
Additionally, PM Modi unveiled the "Odisha Vision Document," a roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a $500 billion economy by 2036 and a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran News Live Updates: Iran FM says ready to 'consider' diplomacy 'once the aggression is stopped'
US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had taken "complete and total control of the skies over Iran." He further warned Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei saying that "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The long-simmering tensions between Israel and Iran have exploded into open warfare since Friday, June 13, 2025, marking an unprecedented period of direct military confrontation. Israel initiated a major campaign of fighter jet and drone strikes across Iran, targeting nuclear and military sites, including surface-to-surface missile production facilities, detection radar sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers. Reports indicate strikes on residential areas and fuel depots, with Iran's health ministry reporting at least 224 fatalities and over 1,200 injuries, mostly civilians. Israeli forces have also reportedly killed several top Iranian military commanders and atomic scientists. The IDF claims to have destroyed one-third of Iran's surface-to-surface missile launchers and achieved "full air superiority over Tehran," also striking an Iranian refueling aircraft 2,300 km away. In retaliation, Tehran has launched barrages of missiles and drones, hitting Israeli cities and towns, causing at least 24 deaths and 592 injuries, with a major oil refinery in Haifa among the targets. The IDF confirmed intercepting over 100 Iranian UAVs. The international community, including China, Turkey, and G7 leaders, has urgently called for de-escalation, but both sides remain defiant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts the offensive aims to thwart "existential" nuclear and missile threats and has not ruled out targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting it would "end the conflict." The UN's IAEA reported physical damage to an above-ground component of Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility but normal external radiation levels, while warning of potential internal contamination. Amidst the crisis, planned nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington were called off.
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Santosh Mitra Sq puja query for visitors' safety'
Kolkata: Police on Friday said the queries on Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja —its organisers include BJP's Sajal Ghosh—were aimed at ensuring safety for all visitors. DCP (central) Indira Mukherjee said, "The Muchipara OC sent a letter on May 14, highlighting Durga Puja safety requirements, given the large crowd it draws. The letter was sent well before the puja theme was announced. Another letter on June 17 reiterated the need for compliance with crowd management protocol. The puja committee president replied on June 18, expressing willingness to cooperate. Efforts to create confusion undermine the spirit of cooperation."
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Surat CP invokes PASA against 28 ahead of Rath Yatra
Surat: To maintain law and order in Surat before Rath Yatra, the Surat police commissioner has invoked the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) against 28 history-sheeters in the city. These include the alleged extortionist Avdesh Tiwari and textile cheat Arvind Vaghasiya. All these persons have been sent to jails in Ahmedabad, Bhuj and Rajkot. Tiwari faces three FIRs for extortion , lodged at Udhna and Pandesara police stations. He would allegedly make applications to the SMC and threaten people with demolishing their constructions if they did not pay him protection money. Tiwari was sent to Bhuj jail. Another notorious history-sheeter, Arvind Vaghasiya alias Atul Vaghasiya, is accused of several crimes including failing to make payments to textile traders after taking delivery of grey textile goods. Cheating FIRs have been lodged against him with Udhna and Khatodara police. He has been sent to Ahmedabad jail. Others accused in cases of loot, extortion, attempt to murder, cybercrime, cheating and bootlegging were also sent to jails under PASA. These are Niki Yadav, Chandan Swain, Ashish Saroj, Suraj Survade, Ravinder Singh, Sohel Khan, Mahendra Rana, Safruddin Shaikh, Sunny Nayak, Samir Shaikh, Dinesh Patil, Hardik Parmar, Shivam Mahanto, Ajay Patel, Hasan Pathan and Jayna Rana, among others. The Surat police commissioner has invoked PASA against 450 individuals so far this year. In 2024, 704 persons were sent to jail under PASA.
