Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday revealed that he turned down an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit Washington, choosing instead to return to Odisha, which he called the “holy land of Lord Jagannath.”
Addressing a large public gathering in Bhubaneswar during the celebrations marking the first anniversary of the BJP government in the state, PM Modi said he had just attended the G7 Summit in Canada when he received the call. “While I was in Canada for the G7 Summit, President Trump called and invited me to Washington for a discussion and lunch. I thanked him for the kind offer, but I told him I had to visit Odisha. With due respect, I humbly declined the invitation,” he said.
The comment drew loud applause from the crowd, many of whom saw it as a sign of Modi’s deep spiritual and cultural connection to India’s heritage. Modi described Odisha as a sacred place, highlighting his commitment to the people and traditions of the region.
During the event, the Prime Minister also launched several development projects in the state worth over ₹18,600 crore, aimed at improving infrastructure, connectivity, and local livelihoods.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later said that Prime Minister Modi invited Donald Trump to India for the upcoming Quad Summit, expected to be held later this year.
Modi’s decision to prioritise Odisha over an official US visit was widely seen as a symbolic gesture, emphasising his belief in placing national and cultural duties first. His remarks added a personal and emotional touch to a political event, further strengthening his image as a leader deeply connected to the people and the land.