Minister Hits Back at ‘Falsehoods,’ Says PM Modi Never Needed an Invite
In a sharp rebuttal, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding India's foreign policy engagements. Gandhi had alleged that Jaishankar was sent multiple times to secure an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend an international event, implying that India was seeking recognition on the global stage.
Jaishankar strongly refuted the statement, calling it a "deliberate falsehood." He clarified that at no point was there any discussion about an invitation for the Prime Minister, emphasizing that Modi generally does not attend such events. Furthermore, he criticized Gandhi's remarks, stating that such misinformation could harm India’s image abroad.
This is not the first time Jaishankar has confronted Gandhi over his international statements. In the past, the EAM has expressed concern over Gandhi's tendency to criticize the Indian government on foreign soil. He has argued that while political debates are natural within a democracy, taking domestic issues to an international audience is not in the country's best interest.
The exchange highlights ongoing friction between the ruling party and the opposition, reflecting contrasting views on India's diplomatic strategy and global standing.
