‘It is because of insecurity’: Rahul Gandhi alleges govt doesn’t want him to meet Putin

Speaking to reporters in Parliament complex on Thursday afternoon, Gandhi said: “Generally, it is this government’s policy. Normally, there is a tradition that the LOP has meetings with those who come from abroad. It used to happen during Vajpayee ji’s time, Manmohan ji’s time. This has been a tradition. But these days, what happens is that when foreign dignitaries come, or when I go abroad, the government suggests to them that they should not meet the LOP.”

“When I go abroad, they do it, and when people come here, they do it. We get the message that they have been told that the government has told them not to meet me,” said Gandhi.

Asked about the historic relations between India and Russia, Gandhi said: “Relations are there with everyone. The LOP gives a different perspective. India is also represented by us, not just the government. The government doesn’t want people from the Opposition to meet foreign dignitaries. This is a tradition and norm, but Modiji and the Foreign Affairs ministry do not follow this.”

Questioned about the possible reason for the government not wanting the Opposition to meet foreign dignitaries, Gandhi said: “It is because of insecurity.”

PM Modi will host a private dinner for Putin PM Thursday, hold bilateral talks, and address business leaders from both countries on Friday.

Officials in the Ministry of External Affairs said the two sides are working on the labour mobility agreement that will enable Indian skilled and semi-skilled professionals to work in Russia’s construction, healthcare and hospitality sectors. The document has been finalised, and the internal processes are in the last stage, it is learnt.

The two sides will also focus on trade and economic ties, and negotiations are on for a potential free-trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

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