Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had claimed in the Lok Sabha that if the government had taken economic policies seriously, then it would not have had to send Jaishankar to the US to get an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said that he had gone to the US to meet meet the Secretary of State and NSA of the Biden Administration and to chair the gathering of India’s Counsel General.
He further clarified that at no stage was an invitation of the Prime Minister discussed, adding that India was generally represented by Special Envoys at such events.
“Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi deliberately spoke a falsehood about my visit to the US in December 2024. I went to meet the Secretary of State and NSA of the Biden Administration. Also to chair a gathering of our Consuls General. During my stay, the incoming NSA-designate met with me. At no stage was an invitation in respect of the PM discussed. It is common knowledge that our PM does not attend such events. In fact, India is generally represented by Special Envoys. Rahul Gandhi’s lies may be intended politically. But they damage the nation abroad,” Jaishankar wrote.
Union Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju countered Gandhi’s remarks against PM Modi over Trump’s inaugural ceremony and said that the leader of opposition should not make such serious unsubstantial statements.
Interrupting Rahul during his speech, Rijiju said, “The Leader of Opposition cannot make such serious unsubstantial statements. This is related to the relation between two countries and he is making an unverified statement about the invitation of the Prime Minister of our country.”
The Lok Sabha Speaker also asked Rahul to substantiate his allegations, after which Rahul said, “I apologise for disturbing your peace of mind.”
