External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has refuted allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that his recent visit to the US was not to secure an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
Jaishankar accused Gandhi of spreading falsehoods, emphasizing that Prime Minister Modi does not attend foreign presidential inauguration ceremonies. He also warned that Gandhi’s misleading statements can harm India’s reputation globally. The exchange sparked a heated debate in the Lok Sabha, with BJP members objecting to Gandhi’s remarks.
Jaishankar clarified that he visited the US in December 2024 to meet with the Secretary of State and National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Biden Administration. He also chaired a gathering of Indian Consuls General and met with the incoming NSA designate during his stay.
S. Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, “Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi deliberately spoke a falsehood about my visit to the US in December 2024. I went to meet the Secretary of State and NSA of the Biden Administration. Also to chair a gathering of our Consuls General. During my stay, the incoming NSA designate met with me.”
He further said, “At no stage was an invitation in respect of the PM discussed. It is common knowledge that our PM does not attend such events. In fact, India is generally represented by special envoys.”
Jaishankar alleged Rahul Gandhi for damaging the nation’s image abroad with such remarks. “Rahul Gandhi’s statement may be intended politically. But they damage the nation abroad,” the Foreign Minister said.
Leader of the Opposition of Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi made a statement on Monday that Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar was sent “three-four times to get an invite for our Prime Minister” for the inauguration of US President Donald Trump has been clearly refuted by the minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House when Gandhi made those remarks.
“When we talk to the United States, we would not send the foreign minister three or four times to get an invite for our prime minister because if we had a production system and we were working on these technologies, the US president would come here and invite the prime minister,” said the Congress leader.
BJP MPs, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, strongly protested the comment and said the opposition leader cannot make such unsubstantiated remarks related to the country’s foreign policy.
“The leader of the opposition cannot make such serious, unsubstantiated statements. This is about the relationship between two countries. He is making unverified statements about the invitation of our Prime Minister,” said BJP leader Rijiju.
“He should be responsible. If the Leader of the Opposition has the information, he must tell the House who has told him that the Foreign Minister visited for this purpose,” he said, also asked about the authenticity of Rahul Gandhi’s claims.
Donald Trump’s sworn-in ceremony as the US President was held on January 20. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar represented India at the event.
