India, July 10 -- A remark by a reporter from an Australian TV news channel during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Melbourne has gone viral on social media, reviving a familiar political debate over the Prime Minister's reluctance to hold press conferences.

In the broadcast for 7News, recorded as Modi walked in the background during a public engagement, reporter Blake Johnson told viewers: "This is about as close as you would get to Narendra Modi on his trip to Melbourne. He famously avoids unscripted news conferences, preferring instead more stage-managed appearances."

Johnson on his X account also reshared the clip that has been reposted by Indian politicians and activists too. These included main opposition party Congress's s...