According to the US State Department, such meetings are regular occurrences in Washington's diplomatic calendar. The interaction with Lu came ahead of the American diplomat’s planned visits to India and Bangladesh later this month, underscoring the strategic importance of the region. The spokesperson noted that meetings between US officials and both government and opposition leaders are common, emphasizing that these dialogues are vital for maintaining a robust diplomatic partnership.
Gandhi's US trip involved a series of high-profile engagements, including discussions with members of the India Caucus on Capitol Hill. He met with various legislators, including Representatives Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, focusing on reinforcing Indo-US relations. In a social media post, Gandhi expressed gratitude for the productive exchanges on shared commitments to a progressive future for both nations.
While the details of the private discussion between Rahul Gandhi and US officials were not disclosed, the timing of his visit attracted significant attention. Gandhi’s interaction with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with accusations that Gandhi was aligning with anti-India elements. Omar has been a vocal critic of India’s policies regarding Kashmir and has introduced several resolutions perceived as hostile by the Indian government. The BJP strongly condemned the meeting, with party members questioning Gandhi's intentions and accusing him of collaborating with figures known for their critical stance on India.
The Congress Party, however, did not release detailed comments on the content of the meetings or video footage from the interactions. Gandhi's visit to the US, which also saw him engage with the Indian diaspora and US academics, was positioned as part of a broader effort to present India's opposition as a capable player in global diplomatic circles. His outreach to US lawmakers is viewed as an attempt to build international support and redefine India's political narrative on the global stage, as the nation approaches pivotal elections in 2024.