External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly refuted allegations made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi concerning his visit to the United States in December 2024. Gandhi had claimed that Jaishankar visited the U.S. multiple times to request an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Jaishankar described these assertions as deliberate falsehoods that could damage India’s reputation abroad.
In a statement on social media platform X, Jaishankar clarified that his December visit was solely for official purposes, including meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, as well as chairing a gathering of Indian Consuls General. He emphasized that at no point during his visit was an invitation for Prime Minister Modi discussed, noting that it is common knowledge that the Prime Minister does not attend such events. Instead, India is typically represented by Special Envoys at such ceremonies.
Jaishankar further criticized Gandhi for spreading misinformation, stating that such falsehoods are politically motivated and harm the nation’s image on the international stage. He stressed the importance of accurate information in maintaining India’s global standing.
This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between the ruling government and the opposition, with both sides accusing each other of misinformation. The incident underscores the need for responsible communication, especially concerning matters of international diplomacy, to uphold the nation’s credibility and diplomatic relations.
In response to the allegations, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also objected to Gandhi’s remarks, emphasizing the seriousness of such statements and the potential impact on international relations. Rijiju called for verified information when discussing sensitive diplomatic matters.
The controversy has sparked discussions on the role of political leaders in shaping public perception and the importance of fact-based discourse in the political arena. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this exchange will influence public opinion and the political landscape in India.
