Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, upon receiving an invitation to a banquet in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin, described the absence of opposition leaders from the guest list as “inappropriate” while confirming his intention to attend.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram, expressed, “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.” Notably, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not receive invitations to the banquet hosted that evening during Putin’s two-day state visit to India.
President Putin arrived in the national capital on Thursday for the visit. Ahead of the trip, Tharoor emphasized the significance of India’s relationship with Russia. In comments made outside Parliament, he stated, “It is a very important visit. It’s an extremely important relationship. We talk for a long time about strategic autonomy; we have to preserve our negotiating space with America, China, and Russia.”
Tharoor further highlighted the need for India to maintain independent ties with various nations, asserting, “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.”
Earlier in the day, during the India-Russia Business Forum in New Delhi, President Putin noted that initiatives by Prime Minister Modi, such as the Make in India program, are contributing to India’s technological sovereignty. He clarified that the Russian delegation’s agenda extends beyond discussing energy issues to include a broader dialogue on strengthening multifaceted relations with India.
Putin remarked, “The Prime Minister stressed on many occasions in our private talks that India has vast and growing opportunities in many fields, but up until now they haven’t been used to the extent both parties want to see it. That is precisely the reason why we convened this forum.” He reiterated Russia’s commitment to expanding its relations with India across various sectors.
Furthermore, Putin indicated that Russian companies are prepared to increase their purchases of a wide range of goods and services from India.
(With inputs from agencies)
