NEW DELHI, August 4, 2025—Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu separately on Sunday, setting off speculation over the political and diplomatic significance of their back-to-back visits to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor Rashtrapati Bhavan revealed the agenda behind the high-level meetings. However, the President’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed both appointments. “Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” read one post. Hours later, another said: “Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah called on President Droupadi Murmu.” Shah also posted a photo of the meeting, calling it a courtesy call.
The timing has raised eyebrows, as Parliament remains paralyzed over the Opposition’s demand for a full debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar—a flashpoint ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Since the Monsoon Session began on July 21, little legislative progress has been made, except discussions on Operation Sindoor.
Adding to the political tension, the Lok Sabha recently passed a motion to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for six more months. The Rajya Sabha is yet to debate the extension. Manipur has remained under central rule since February 13 amid prolonged instability.
This was PM Modi’s first visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan since returning from diplomatic trips to the UK and Maldives. His visit also follows a sharp move by U.S. President Donald Trump, who slapped 25% tariffs on Indian exports. The U.S. administration has warned of further action over India’s ongoing defense and oil deals with Russia.
Domestically, a significant change looms as Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, citing health concerns. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with MPs from both Houses forming the electoral college.
While the details of Modi and Shah’s meetings remain under wraps, the backdrop of legislative deadlock, international trade disputes, and a high-stakes leadership transition suggests that Sunday’s discussions were anything but routine.
