Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that the Narendra Modi–led government has deliberately prevented him and other Opposition leaders from meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during his India visit.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi claimed that the Centre has been advising foreign dignitaries to avoid meeting the Opposition — a break from long-standing diplomatic tradition.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against Modi Government
Gandhi said:
“It is a tradition that foreign leaders meet the Leader of Opposition. It happened during Vajpayee ji’s and Manmohan Singh ji’s governments. But this government suggests visiting leaders not to meet the LoP. This is their insecurity.”
He further claimed that the government even discourages meetings during his own overseas visits.
“We too represent India. It is not just the government. Modi ji and the Foreign Ministry do not follow this norm,” he added.
Centre Rejects Charges
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale dismissed the allegations, saying the government had no role in deciding Putin’s meetings.
He said:
“If Rahul Gandhi wanted to meet Putin, he should have asked for an appointment. Saying PM Modi is insecure is baseless. No leader is as secure as Modi ji.”
Putin’s High-Stakes Visit to India
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, his first visit since the Ukraine conflict began.
His two-day schedule includes:
- A meeting with President Droupadi Murmu
- A private dinner hosted by PM Narendra Modi
- Strategic talks on defence, trade, energy, technology, space, transport, healthcare, and labour mobility
According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, bilateral discussions will be “regular and confidential,” focusing on “promising projects” and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Geopolitical Significance
Putin’s visit comes at a sensitive international moment, just months after the United States imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports. The summit is expected to reaffirm India–Russia ties amid shifting global alliances.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
