Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Friday that he turned down a personal dinner invitation from US President Donald Trump to prioritize a visit to Odisha.
Speaking at a public gathering in Bhubaneswar, Modi shared that the invitation came during his recent trip to Canada for the G7 Summit. “President Trump called and said, ‘Since you’re in Canada, come via Washington. Let’s have dinner and talk,’” Modi recounted.
However, Modi said he respectfully declined the offer. “I told him, thank you, but it’s very important for me to go to the land of Mahaprabhu,” referring to Odisha’s spiritual significance and the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Addressing the cheering crowd, he added, “Your love and devotion to Mahaprabhu brought me here.”
