Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, claimed on Friday that the Opposition bloc is aware of India’s relations with Russia and that, on the whole, they would support its stance on the conflict raging in Ukraine. At a press conference held at the Brussels Press Club, Gandhi was speaking. The Indian Overseas Congress has organized a tour of Europe for the Congress MP.
“I think the Opposition, by and large, would agree with India’s current position on the conflict (between Russia and Ukraine). We have a relationship with Russia. I don’t think the Opposition would have a different position than what the Government is currently proposing,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters, when he was asked to respond to rising crude oil sales to India when the West has put sanctions on Russia. India has been buying Russian crude oil at discounts.
India has repeatedly argued that its decision to import oil will be based on its national interests and its sizable consumer base. Additionally, India has maintained that for a speedy peace settlement, Russia must follow the path of negotiation and diplomacy.
Further, when asked about Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge not being invited to the G20 Summit, Rahul Gandhi targeting the central government, said, “What is contrary about it? They have decided not to invite the Leader of the Opposition. It tells you something. It tells you that they don’t value the Leader of 60 per cent of India’s population. It’s something that people should think about – why they are feeling the need to do that and what is the type of thinking that goes behind that.”
Additionally, Rahul Gandhi will visit Paris and meet with French legislators. His final trip would be to Norway, where he would meet with parliamentarians in Oslo before flying back to India. The 28-party opposition coalition INDIA is preparing to lay out a more comprehensive plan of attack against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Center as the race for next year’s Lok Sabha elections intensifies.