Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, is set to address the Indian diaspora in Texas, United States, on September 8 during his week-long visit to the country. This will be his first foreign trip since assuming the post of LoP after the Congress secured 99 seats out of 543 in the Lok Sabha elections.
Key Details of the Visit
During his trip, Gandhi is expected to engage with students at prestigious universities and meet US lawmakers, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between India and the United States. His visit will include stops in several cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas.
Gandhi’s last visit to the US was on May 30, 2023, where he interacted with the Indian diaspora and participated in a discussion with Silicon Valley experts about the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and his vision for the future. He also met with entrepreneurs and domain experts to discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence.
Context of the Visit
This visit comes at a crucial time, just months ahead of the US presidential elections, where Vice President Kamala Harris is contesting against her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. Gandhi’s presence in the US is seen as an effort to connect with the Indian diaspora and promote his party’s stance on various international and domestic issues.
Political Implications
Gandhi’s visit also coincides with high-stakes Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Recently, the Congress and the National Conference (NC) announced a pre-poll alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, where Gandhi reiterated the demand for the restoration of the region’s statehood.
This trip marks a significant moment in Gandhi’s political journey, as it is his first time serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and his engagements in the US are expected to bolster his international presence and connect with key stakeholders abroad.
