External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded sharply on Monday to the comments made by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, regarding an alleged ‘Trump inauguration invite’, emphasizing that the Prime Minister typically does not attend such ceremonies.
Speaking during a debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address on January 31, Gandhi remarked that the government would not send the foreign minister to the United States to secure an invitation for the President’s ‘coronation’.
In response to Gandhi’s statement, Jaishankar asserted that Gandhi’s falsehoods harm the nation’s reputation abroad.
During Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the minister served as a special envoy and reportedly delivered a letter from Prime Minister Modi to the president.
“Rahul Gandhi has deliberately misstated facts regarding my trip to the US in December 2024. My visit was to meet with the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor of the Biden Administration, in addition to chairing a session with our Consuls General. Furthermore, I met with the incoming NSA-designate during my visit,” Jaishankar stated in a post on X.
The minister took further aim at Gandhi, stating that at no point was an invitation concerning the Prime Minister discussed.
“It’s widely acknowledged that our Prime Minister does not participate in such events. Typically, India is represented by Special Envoys. While Rahul Gandhi’s statements may have political motivations, they ultimately tarnish our image internationally,” he added.
In a counter to Gandhi’s remarks, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju challenged Gandhi to provide evidence for his assertions regarding the government’s foreign policy.
Modi’s conversation with Trump
Recently, Narendra Modi held a phone conversation to congratulate Trump following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
“I was pleased to speak with my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. I congratulated him on his historic second term. We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership, working collectively for the betterment of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security,” Modi posted on X.
