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A major political controversy has arisen amid the high-profile visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the government prevented him from meeting the Russian President, which is an ‘insult’ to his position and the opposition. After this sharp attack by Rahul, now the Ministry of External Affairs has taken charge. Sources in the ministry have not only rejected these allegations, but have also presented as evidence a list of ‘5 Prime Ministers’ whom Rahul Gandhi has met in the last few months. The government’s question is clear, when there was no restriction in meeting the last 5 leaders, then why this ‘uproar’ now?
Rahul Gandhi said that it has been a parliamentary tradition to allow the leader of the opposition to meet foreign guests. By stopping me, the government has insulted not only me but also the democratic structure of the country and the opposition. Congress argues that such meetings were always encouraged during the era of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But sources in the Ministry of External Affairs say that when a foreign dignitary comes to India, the Ministry of External Affairs takes responsibility only for those meetings which are to be held with government officials and government bodies. Apart from this, whether to hold a meeting with any leader outside the government, such as the leader of the opposition, entirely depends on the ‘visiting delegation’.
On June 10, 2024, Rahul Gandhi met Sheikh Hasina, just the next day after becoming the Leader of Opposition. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were also present in this meeting. It was a courtesy call, in which strengthening of the old family and diplomatic relations and mutual trust between India and Bangladesh was discussed.
August 1, 2024 When the Prime Minister of Vietnam visited India, he also met Rahul Gandhi. During this, discussions were held between the two leaders on deepening bilateral relations, increasing trade and strategic cooperation. The Vietnamese PM had also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by visiting Rajghat, which shows the cultural connection between the two countries.
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August 21, 2024 This meeting was very important and personal. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim had described Rahul Gandhi as his ‘family friend’. In this meeting, both the leaders talked about ‘resetting’ India-Malaysia relations and increasing cooperation on issues like trade, technology and regional security.
September 16, 2025 The Prime Minister of Mauritius met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi during his visit to India. This meeting focused on the historical and emotional relations between the two countries. Ramgoolam underlined the deep ‘friendly relations’ with India. During this tour he also visited Ayodhya and Kashi.
New avenues of bilateral cooperation were discussed in Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on March 8, 2025. The main focus of the talks was on promoting partnership in areas like education, agricultural technology and sports. This meeting shows that leaders of western countries also give importance to dialogue with the opposition.
