Goa, June 20 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed in Bhubaneswar that he turned down a personal dinner invitation from former US President Donald Trump-choosing instead to honor his commitment to the people of Odisha and the land of Lord Jagannath.

Speaking during the BJP government's first anniversary celebration in the state, Modi said Trump had called him during the G7 Summit in Canada, suggesting he swing by Washington DC on his way back for discussions and dinner. But Modi declined, citing the spiritual and cultural importance of returning to Odisha.

"Thank you for the invitation," Modi recalled telling Trump, "but it is very important for me to be on the land of Mahaprabhu."

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later confirmed that...