Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revealed that he recently declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit Washington. The invitation was extended while Modi was in Canada attending the G7 Summit. Speaking at a public gathering in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, Modi explained his decision, citing the importance of his commitment to visit Odisha, which he referred to as the "land of Mahaprabhu" or "Land of Lord Jagannath".

According to Modi, President Trump contacted him during the G7 Summit and suggested that since he was already in North America, he should extend his trip to include a visit to Washington for dinner and discussions. Modi acknowledged that Trump insisted on the invitation, but he politely declined, emphasizing the significance of his prior commitment to visit 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 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," Modi told the crowd.

Modi's decision underscores the importance he places on his domestic commitments and his connection to Indian culture and heritage. He highlighted Odisha's significant role in India's heritage and development. He also inaugurated 105 projects worth Rs 18,600 crores for the state. Modi has often emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage alongside its economic development.

This isn't the first time that scheduling conflicts have altered the plans of these two leaders. It was noted that Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of the G7, but Trump had to rush back to Washington due to the Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a 35-minute phone conversation, Trump invited Modi to visit the United States following his trip to Canada for the Summit. However, due to prior commitments, Modi could not accept the invitation. “The two leaders agreed to meet at a mutually convenient date in the near future,” said Misri. Modi, in turn, extended an invitation to Trump to visit India for the next Quad summit, which Trump accepted with enthusiasm.

Modi's decision to prioritize his visit to Odisha over a dinner invitation from the US President highlights the balancing act that leaders often face between international diplomacy and domestic responsibilities. It also showcases the Prime Minister's focus on regional development and cultural preservation within India.