Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has voiced strong criticism over the exclusion of top Opposition leaders from the prestigious banquet being hosted in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin, deeming the move "inappropriate." Despite his objections, the Thiruvananthapuram MP confirmed he will attend the event scheduled for Friday evening as part of Putin's two-day state visit to India.
Tharoor's Stance on the Invitation Controversy
Upon receiving his personal invitation, Shashi Tharoor questioned the criteria used for the guest list. He pointedly noted that Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi were not invited to the high-profile dinner at the President's estate. "I don't know on what basis invitations are issued, but I will certainly attend. It is not appropriate that the Leaders of the Opposition are not invited," Tharoor told PTI.
This diplomatic snub to the Opposition leadership comes amidst the crucial visit aimed at strengthening the long-standing partnership between India and Russia. President Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, setting the stage for comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Emphasis on Strategic Autonomy and India-Russia Ties
Ahead of the visit, Tharoor had already underscored the critical importance of the India-Russia relationship. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday, he framed the visit within the context of India's strategic autonomy. "It is a very important visit. It's an extremely important relationship," Tharoor stated.
He elaborated on the need for India to maintain balanced diplomacy, saying, "We talk for a long time about strategic autonomy; we have to preserve our negotiating space with America, China, Russia." The MP stressed that India's independent foreign policy is a cornerstone of its diplomacy. "We cannot mortgage our autonomy to any other country's interest. We have to have independent relationships with all countries. Russia is an old relationship, it is a serious relationship, strong relationship," he added.
Putin's Agenda: Beyond Energy to Multifaceted Partnership
During his visit, President Vladimir Putin outlined a vision that extends far beyond traditional energy cooperation. Addressing the India-Russia Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin praised Indian initiatives like the 'Make in India' programme, noting that India is on a path to becoming technologically sovereign.
He clarified that the Russian delegation's goals were broader than just signing oil and gas contracts. "What we want is the development of our multifaceted relations with India in various fields," Putin said. He revealed that PM Modi, in their private discussions, had highlighted India's vast, untapped potential for collaboration. Putin affirmed that Russia is keen on strengthening ties across sectors and that Russian companies are ready to significantly increase purchases of Indian goods and services.
The leaders have set an ambitious target to exceed the current level of bilateral trade by the year 2030, signalling a renewed and diversified thrust in economic engagement between the two nations.
