External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday denied Rahul Gandhi's claim that he visited the United States in December to request an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Donald Trump's inauguration. Jaishankar accused Gandhi of spreading false information about his visit.
Jaishankar explained on X that he went to the U.S. to meet the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor of the Biden Administration and to chair a meeting with Consuls General. He added that during the visit, the incoming NSA-designate also met him, but at no point was the issue of an invitation for PM Modi discussed.
Jaishankar pointed out that it is well-known that India typically sends Special Envoys to such events and that the Prime Minister doesn't usually attend them. He accused Rahul Gandhi of making politically motivated false statements, which, he said, harm India's reputation abroad.
In Parliament, Rahul Gandhi had stated that the foreign minister visited the U.S. multiple times to request an invitation for PM Modi to Trump's inauguration. Gandhi said that India should focus on producing goods and technology so that the U.S. President would invite Modi instead of sending the foreign minister for such requests.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to Gandhi's remarks, calling them unfounded and unverified. Gandhi later apologized for causing any disturbance.
Jaishankar represented India at Trump’s inauguration on January 20. He had visited the U.S. from December 24 to 29, and the Indian government is planning a visit by PM Modi to the U.S. to strengthen bilateral ties.
