Former diplomat says proper protocol not followed in invitation to Narendra Modi.

Delhi: Former diplomat Veena Sikri has said that US President Donald Trump did not follow proper protocol in his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi . 

They pointed out that this invitation is still in the realm of speculation as no official letter or clear direct invitation has been received. 

The status of the invitation is subject to speculation, Sikri told ANI in a conversation. "It is reported that Prime Minister Modi has received an invitation to visit the White House. When Secretary Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Modi yesterday, he mentioned that President Trump had conveyed the invitation. However, that invitation did not come in the form of a formal letter or a specific direct invitation. We do not know the exact status yet. They may meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit next month or later in the year when President Trump is hosting the G20 summit at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. This is currently in the realm of speculation," she said.

The statement comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed President Donald Trump's invitation to Modi during his visit to Delhi. Here are some key observations made by former diplomat Veena Sikri on the invitation received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

• Protocol violation: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Modi when he was informed of US President Trump's invitation, but she clarified that this was not in accordance with the usual diplomatic etiquette or official procedures.
• Uncertainty: They noted that the exact status of the invitation is still unclear and remains entirely speculative.
• Possibilities: The two leaders are likely to meet as part of the G7 summit next month or at the G20 summit hosted by Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida later this year.