The Lok Sabha recently witnessed a heated debate after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was sent to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration to secure an invite for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His statement triggered a strong reaction from the BJP, with top leaders refuting the claim and accusing him of misleading the public.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bold Statement in Parliament
While addressing the House during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s economic policies, particularly its handling of manufacturing and employment. He argued that India’s production sector is weak and blamed the government for relying on foreign markets.
In this context, he made the controversial claim about Trump’s inauguration. “When we talk to the United States, we would not send the foreign minister three-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,” Gandhi stated.
His remark drew immediate protests from BJP MPs, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who demanded evidence and called the statement irresponsible. Rijiju said, “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.”
S Jaishankar’s Strong Rebuttal
Shortly after Gandhi’s speech, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to social media to dismiss the allegations.
“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, and to chair a gathering of our Consuls General. During my stay, the incoming NSA-designate met with me. At no stage was an invitation in respect of the PM discussed,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He further criticized Gandhi for damaging India’s reputation abroad. “Rahul Gandhi’s lies may be intended politically, but they damage the nation abroad,” Jaishankar added.
PM Modi’s Presence in the House
The controversy unfolded while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seated in the House. Though he did not comment, his party members fiercely defended the government’s foreign policy. They asserted that India’s diplomatic relations are built on mutual respect and strategic partnerships, not invitations to foreign events.
Rahul Gandhi’s Counterattack
In response to the backlash, Rahul Gandhi sarcastically apologized for causing discomfort to the ruling party. “I am sorry if that question disturbed you. I apologize for disturbing your peace of mind,” he remarked, further fueling the debate.
Donald Trump’s Inauguration and India’s Representation
Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States took place on January 20. As per diplomatic norms, India was represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, a move consistent with past practices. Days after the event, PM Modi congratulated Trump over the phone, emphasizing India’s commitment to a strong US-India partnership.
Conclusion
The war of words between Rahul Gandhi and the BJP has once again highlighted the intense political divide in India. While Gandhi’s statement was intended to question India’s economic strategy, it sparked a major controversy over foreign policy. The BJP maintains that India’s diplomatic engagements are based on strategic interests, not personal invitations. With elections approaching, such debates will likely continue to dominate political discourse.