PM Modi skips Donald Trump's dinner invite to launch rs 18,600 crore projects; here's what we know
During his visit to Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit Washington. Modi explained that the invitation was extended during a call made while he was attending the G7 Summit in Canada. Trump had suggested that Modi travel via Washington for a dinner meeting.
The Prime Minister told the crowd in Bhubaneshwar, '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.'
Sixth visit since BJP came to power in Odisha
PM Modi was in Bhubaneshwar to mark the first anniversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party's first-ever state government in Odisha. This visit marked Modi's sixth trip to the state since June 2024, when the BJP assumed office.
The Prime Minister addressed a large gathering in the state capital and connected his decision to skip the US visit with his priority to engage directly with the people of Odisha and attend the anniversary celebrations.
Launch of development projects and vision document
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi launched 105 development projects with a total value exceeding Rs 18,600 crore. The projects span across key sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, rural and national highways, railway infrastructure, health services, and bridges.
Modi also unveiled the 'Odisha Vision Document,' outlining strategic goals for state development under the BJP-led government. These initiatives are aimed at improving public infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas.By choosing Odisha over a Washington visit, PM Modi highlighted his political priorities—regional development and public engagement over diplomatic appearances.
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