Rahul Gandhi to visit the US on November 17–18; to discuss foreign policy and geopolitics with students at Columbia and Chicago universities.

New Delhi. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is set to visit the United States. Sam Pitroda, head of the Indian Overseas Congress, stated that this will be a brief visit. During his trip, Gandhi will participate in events at Columbia University and the University of Chicago.

According to Sam Pitroda, Rahul Gandhi will interact with students at Columbia University’s School of Planning on November 17. During this session, he will also share his views on student movements taking place across the globe. On November 18, at the University of Chicago, he is scheduled to speak on geopolitics and the challenges facing India’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of the conflict involving Iran.

Additionally, he is expected to hold a meeting with members of the Indian Overseas Congress. Pitroda noted that this visit had been pending for some time, and that the period following the US elections was deemed the appropriate time for the trip.

*BJP’s criticism termed ‘contrived’*

Addressing the criticism from the BJP regarding this visit, Pitroda dismissed it as “contrived.” He remarked that while Rahul Gandhi speaks about issues concerning India, the BJP attempts to link these discussions to the country’s image. He emphasized that Rahul Gandhi would never insult India.

Regarding the BJP’s claims that Rahul Gandhi might seek to replicate models from countries like Nepal or Bangladesh in India, Pitroda clarified that Gandhi has no need to draw inspiration from other nations. “He draws his inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi,” Pitroda said. Speaking on the movements led by Indian youth, he praised them, noting that they have demonstrated to the world that they do not believe in violence.

Sam Pitroda also touched upon the protests surrounding the NEET and other related issues. He stated clearly that education and employment are more significant issues for the youth. According to him, the SIR is currently not among the priorities of young people. He noted that, across the globe, the youth are demanding accountability from their governments. They do not want a government that adopts an authoritarian approach or engages in politics in the name of religion.