The prime minister added that he had close relations with the media at that time, an experience which helped him in his later years.
This was followed by thanking the press for spreading awareness on his pet Clean India Campaign.
Also present on the dias were Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and party leader J.P. Nadda.
Modi then went to every single table, shook hands with journalists, posed for photos and patiently let people click selfies as well, smiling all the time.
A special canopy with saffron and green hues was erected for the interaction at 9, Ashoka Road, adjacent to BJP's national headquarters where Modi spent nearly six years when he was the party's national secretary and general secretary.
With heavy security at all the entrances, journalists had to clear four security checks before they could enter the meeting venue.
Also present were Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, General Secretary (Organisation) Ramlal, some other ministers and party spokespersons.
However, none of the BJP veterans were to be seen.
The interaction came a day before the prime minister's dinner with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies at his 7, Race Course Road residence.
