In a sharp political exchange just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Modi-led Central government of deliberately preventing foreign dignitaries from meeting him. His remarks, made in the Parliament complex, have sparked fresh debate about diplomatic protocol, democratic traditions and political transparency during high-profile state visits.
Rahul Gandhi: “This government is insecure”
Rahul Gandhi criticised what he described as an erosion of long-standing parliamentary tradition.
“Generally, the tradition has been that whoever visits India, the LoP used to have a meeting. It happened during the Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh governments. But this is not the case now,” he said.
He alleged that visiting dignitaries are discreetly advised not to meet the Leader of the Opposition, stating that similar guidance is issued when he travels abroad.
“LoP provides a second perspective; we also represent India. But the government doesn’t want us to meet foreign dignitaries. PM Modi and the foreign ministry do not follow this because of insecurity.”
Gandhi’s remarks come amid heightened diplomatic visibility as India prepares to host Putin for a two-day visit, during which major agreements in energy, defence and mobility are expected to be discussed.
Tharoor backs protocol concerns, highlights defence priorities
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor supported Gandhi’s claims, saying the government “should respond” to concerns about the LoP being sidelined. Emphasising democratic norms, he noted that visiting leaders “should be free to meet all sides” in a healthy parliamentary democracy.
Tharoor also stressed that India must maintain “sovereign autonomy” while handling relations with Russia, the US and China. Providing insight into ongoing preparation for the summit, he said expert-level talks were underway on critical defence cooperation and mobility agreements.
Highlighting recent military experience, Tharoor said:
“Defence cooperation has been vital—we saw the value of the S-400 during Operation Sindoor. Discussions are on for more S-400s, or even S-500.”
He also urged caution regarding any labour mobility pact, stating that Indians going abroad for work “must not be pushed into military roles”.
Priyanka Gandhi: “Protocol is being reversed”
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the government’s approach, calling it “very weird” and “against democratic protocol”.
“There is a protocol, and all visiting dignitaries meet the LoP. The government does not want anyone to raise their voice or offer another opinion. This is insecurity,” she said.
She warned that reversing democratic conventions damages India’s global image:
“In a democracy, everyone should be able to put forward their opinions. The image of democracy is tarnished in the world.”
Putin en route to Delhi for key summit
Meanwhile, Russia’s state media agency TASS reported that President Vladimir Putin has departed for India for his first visit since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. His previous visit took place in December 2021.
According to TASS, the Russian delegation will engage in wide-ranging discussions covering:
- trade and economic cooperation
- scientific and technological collaboration
- cultural and humanitarian exchanges
- major regional and international issues
More than ten intergovernmental documents and over fifteen agreements and memorandums between commercial and non-commercial entities are expected to be signed during the visit.
On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host a private dinner for Putin ahead of the formal summit proceedings.
A politically charged backdrop
Putin’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity and domestic political contestation. India’s long-standing strategic ties with Russia, particularly in defence, remain crucial, even as Delhi navigates strained relations with Washington following recent tariff disputes and disagreements over oil imports.
Against this backdrop, the Opposition’s claims of being side-lined from meetings with key visiting leaders add a new dimension to the domestic political narrative around foreign policy.
Political observers note that while no formal protocol mandates LoP-level meetings during state visits, the practice has been historically observed to ensure bipartisan engagement on matters of national interest.
As Modi and Putin prepare for high-stakes discussions, the Opposition’s criticism highlights continuing tension between government-led diplomacy and parliamentary traditions that foster broader political consultation.