New Delhi, Aug. 24 -- Government sources have clarified that diplomatic discussions around VVIP public appearances are standard protocol, responding to revelations by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor regarding a high-stakes bilateral interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Government sources emphasised that setting ground rules for press access ahead of leader-level meetings is standard operating procedure. India had explicitly communicated its standard practice to US organisers prior to the meeting.

"Delegations, when meeting the US President, are wary about his unpredictable behaviour, as may be seen from his interactions with the President of South Africa, Ukraine, etc. Thus, the cautious appr...