Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has commenced a tour of South America, beginning in Colombia, with plans to visit Brazil, Peru, and Chile. The purpose of the trip is to engage with political leaders, university students, and business communities in these countries. According to the Congress party, this visit aims to strengthen India's diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations with South American nations.
Pawan Khera, the Congress party's media and publicity department head, announced that Gandhi's schedule includes interactions with university students in Brazil and Colombia. These dialogues intend to foster connections with the next generation of global leaders. Gandhi is also expected to meet with presidents and other senior political figures to reinforce democratic and strategic ties.
In addition to political discussions, Rahul Gandhi will engage with business leaders to explore opportunities for India to diversify its trade and partnerships. This is particularly relevant in light of ongoing global trade challenges, such as tariffs imposed by the United States. The Congress party emphasizes the historical resonance of this visit, noting the long-standing bonds between India and South America through the Non-Aligned Movement, solidarity within the Global South, and a shared commitment to a multipolar world order. Gandhi's outreach is seen as a continuation of this tradition, with the goal of opening new avenues for cooperation in areas like trade, technology, sustainability, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Congress party has also highlighted the significance of the visit, stating that it underscores the essential role of India's democratic opposition in shaping international partnerships and promoting India's global presence.
However, the timing of Rahul Gandhi's South America tour has drawn some criticism, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alluded to the possibility of "anti-India" statements emerging during the trip and suggested that Gandhi might be meeting with "suspicious individuals". The BJP has also questioned the timing of the visit, which comes ahead of the Bihar elections. Some critics argue that Gandhi should be focusing on domestic political strategies rather than engaging in international tours.
Despite the criticism, the Congress party maintains that Gandhi's engagements in South America reflect the importance of India's democratic opposition in shaping international partnerships and advancing India's global presence. The party also emphasized that India and South America share a historical connection through the Non-Aligned Movement and the Global South.
Rahul Gandhi's visit to Colombia marks the beginning of a week-long tour of South America. While in Bogota, he is expected to interact with students and political leaders. The visit is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen ties between India and South American countries, explore trade opportunities, and foster dialogue on various global issues.
