Visiting dignitaries decide meets: Govt sources on Rahul Gandhi's Putin meet claim Dismissing Rahul Gandhi's claims, government sources clarified that it is up to the visiting delegation to organise meetings with opposition leaders and that the Centre has no role in it. AdvertisementEarlier, Rahul Gandhi said that the Centre had "abandoned" an old practice regarding visiting foreign dignitaries - a practice that, he claimed, was respected by previous administrations. Pranay UpadhyayaNew Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 4, 2025 16:46 ISTEdited By: Sayan GangulyThe Centre on Thursday dismissed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s charge that the Narendra Modi government is systematically keeping opposition leaders away from visiting foreign dignitaries, saying it has no role in such decisions, sources told India Today TV. Sources also clarified that it is up to the visiting delegation to organise meetings outside the government."Meetings with opposition leaders are sought by the visiting dignitaries. Government authorities have no role in it," they said. advertisement During a visit, sources pointed out that the Ministry of External Affairs organises meetings for the incoming dignitaries with government officials and government bodies. Sources further highlighted that several such meetings with Opposition leaders have taken place in the past. They added that since June 9, 2024, when Rahul Gandhi became Leader of the Opposition, the following leaders have met him:i. Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina - June 10, 2024ii.
