New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has received an invitation to Friday night’s State dinner hosted in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while prominent party figures Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have not been included, according to Congress sources.
Tharoor, who currently chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, confirmed his attendance and said the invitation was extended as a matter of protocol to the committee head. Over recent months, Tharoor’s equations within the party have seen phases of unease, making his presence at the high-profile event particularly noteworthy.
When questioned about the absence of invitations for Rahul Gandhi Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President, Tharoor stated he was “unaware of the procedures involved” in deciding the guest list for State banquets.
The omission of Gandhi and Kharge has raised eyebrows within political circles, especially since it follows Rahul Gandhi’s remarks accusing the government of preventing visiting dignitaries from meeting opposition leaders. Speaking outside Parliament a day earlier, Gandhi had pointed to past practices, including during the Vajpayee-led NDA government, when Leaders of the Opposition were routinely given time with incoming heads of state.
He alleged that the current government has discouraged such meetings, deviating from established democratic norms. “Traditionally, foreign leaders met the Leader of the Opposition. But now the government suggests such meetings should not take place,” he said.
Meanwhile, as President Putin’s visit drew national attention, Tharoor emphasized the long-standing value of India’s partnership with Russia. He cited cooperation ranging from energy imports to defense supplies, including critical contributions such as Russia’s support during Operation Sindoor.
Tharoor reiterated that India’s foreign policy remains rooted in “strategic autonomy”, insisting that strong ties with Moscow do not compromise New Delhi’s relationships with Washington, Beijing or any other global player.
“India has always believed in sovereign autonomy,” he said, noting that the country’s ability to build independent relationships is integral to its national identity. “Our friendship with Russia stands on its own merits, just as our partnerships with other nations do,” he added.
With Putin’s State dinner set to draw key political and diplomatic figures, the absence of Gandhi and Kharge from the guest list is expected to fuel further debate on political protocol and the government’s approach to engaging the Opposition during major international visits.