The Indian government has firmly rejected allegations made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi that the ruling dispensation prevents foreign dignitaries from meeting him. Official sources on Thursday provided a detailed rebuttal, listing several high-profile meetings Gandhi has held since assuming the LoP office.
Government's Detailed Rebuttal
In a strong response, government sources clarified the protocol for foreign visits. They stated that during any official state visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is responsible for facilitating meetings between the visiting dignitary and Indian government officials and designated bodies. However, any engagements that fall outside this official government framework are organized solely at the discretion of the visiting delegation itself.
The sources went a step further to provide specific evidence, noting that since Rahul Gandhi took charge as the Leader of the Opposition on June 9, 2024, he has indeed met several foreign leaders. The list provided includes:
- Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on June 10, 2024.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on August 21, 2024.
- Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on September 16, 2025.
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on March 8, 2025.
Rahul Gandhi's Original Allegation
The government's statement comes as a direct counter to serious claims made by the Congress leader. Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the current government, due to its "insecurity," instructs visiting foreign dignitaries not to meet the Leader of the Opposition.
"Generally, the tradition has been that whoever visits India, the LoP used to have a meeting. It used to happen in the Vajpayee government, the Manmohan Singh government. But this is not the case now," Gandhi stated. He further claimed, "Whenever I visit abroad, they suggest that those people shouldn't meet the LoP. People told us we have been informed not to meet the LoP."
Emphasizing the role of the opposition, he added, "LoP provides a second perspective; we also represent India, but the government doesn't want us to meet foreign dignitaries. PM Modi and the foreign ministry do not follow this now because of insecurity."
Political Backing and Broader Context
The controversy has gained traction within political circles. Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor backed Rahul Gandhi's concern, stating that if the LoP is being barred from meeting visiting dignitaries under the Modi-led government, it is a serious issue and the government "should respond."
This exchange gains additional significance as it unfolds ahead of the highly anticipated visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India. The timing highlights the ongoing debate about diplomatic protocols and the space accorded to the opposition in India's foreign engagement landscape.
The government's point-by-point refutation, complete with dates and names, aims to squarely address the accusation and present an alternative narrative based on documented interactions.
