Mon Feb 03 21:46:09 IST 2025: ## Jaishankar Rejects Gandhi’s Claim of Multiple US Trips to Secure Trump Inauguration Invite
**New Delhi** – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has vehemently denied allegations by Rahul Gandhi that he was sent repeatedly to the US to secure an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration. Gandhi made the claim during a parliamentary debate, asserting that Jaishankar made three or four trips for this purpose.
Jaishankar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that his December 2024 visit to the US was for meetings with high-ranking Biden administration officials, including the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, and to chair a meeting of Indian Consuls General. He also met with the incoming NSA-designate. He explicitly denied that securing an invitation for PM Modi was ever discussed, noting that Modi typically doesn’t attend such events and India usually sends special envoys.
Jaishankar accused Gandhi of spreading falsehoods that damage India’s international reputation. He stated that while Gandhi’s remarks may be politically motivated, they are irresponsible and harmful to India’s image abroad.
The BJP strongly condemned Gandhi’s statements. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded proof for Gandhi’s claims, criticizing the Opposition leader for making unsubstantiated allegations about India’s foreign policy and its relationship with the US. Rijiju emphasized the gravity of such claims and the need for responsibility in making such statements.
PM Modi, who was present in the Lok Sabha during Gandhi’s remarks, had spoken to Trump on the phone days after the inauguration in 2017, congratulating him on his victory. Dr. Jaishankar himself attended the inauguration as India’s representative.
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