Not Rahul Gandhi but Tharoor invited to Putin dinner: Reports
What's the story
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has reportedly been invited to a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The invitation comes after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the central government of breaking a long-standing tradition of allowing opposition leaders to meet visiting foreign dignitaries. "It used to happen during the governments of Vajpayee ji and Manmohan Singh ji... But these days...the government advises them not to meet the LoP," he said.
Diplomatic background
Tharoor's diplomatic experience and recent activities
Tharoor later confirmed his attendance at the event and expressed his honor at being invited. "I don't know about the Leader of the Opposition not being invited, and I am not aware of the basis on which invitations were issued," Tharoor said, adding that he was "honored to be invited." Tharoor, a former United Nations under-secretary-general, had recently led a multi-party delegation to highlight India's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Diplomatic praise
Tharoor praises Modi's diplomatic gestures toward Putin
Earlier in the day, Tharoor had also praised PM Modi's diplomatic gestures toward Putin, including receiving him at the airport and gifting him a Russian-translated Bhagavad Gita. He emphasized that these gestures are important symbolic actions in foreign policy but added that "symbolism is not a substitute for substance." The Congress MP said such actions signal continuity in India's important relationship with Russia.
State visit
Putin's visit to India and ceremonial welcome
Putin is on a two-day state visit to India, where he was received by PM Modi. The Russian leader inspected a Guard of Honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan after receiving a ceremonial welcome. Before leaving for Moscow, he will attend a state dinner hosted by the president. The menu is expected to blend Indian and Russian cuisines, including delicacies like Kashmiri Wazwan and Russian borscht. Approximately 150 guests, including high government officials, diplomats, and business leaders, are expected to attend.