Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur have ignited a political debate over priorities. On Monday, the Congress criticized Modi for his foreign trip, highlighting Gandhi’s focus on the violence-hit Manipur. Rahul Gandhi’s trip marks his third visit to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May last year.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh remarked, “Today, the non-biological PM goes to Moscow while the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha heads for Assam and Manipur.” Ramesh accused Modi of failing to address the crisis in Manipur, noting that the Prime Minister has not visited the state since the violence began on May 3, 2023.
Ramesh continued, “The non-biological PM has not found the time nor even had the inclination to visit Manipur even for a few hours after the grave crisis erupted.” He further criticized Modi for not meeting the state’s Chief Minister or other local political leaders.
Modi’s visit to Russia on July 8 and 9 is at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. Meanwhile, Gandhi’s itinerary includes visiting relief camps in Manipur, where he has been engaging with the displaced residents affected by ongoing ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Describing the situation in Manipur as a “tremendous tragedy,” Gandhi expressed disappointment over the lack of improvement since his previous visits. “This is the third time I come here since the problem started. It has been a tremendous tragedy. I was expecting some improvement in the situation. But I was quite disappointed to see that the situation is still nowhere near where it should be,” he said.
Gandhi’s visit to Manipur includes interactions with relief camp inmates and a meeting with Governor Anusuiya Uikey. He emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister’s visit to the state to understand the ongoing crisis and provide comfort to the people. “The PM should have visited the state long back. It is important that he visits Manipur. I request him to come to Manipur and try to understand what is happening here… It will comfort the people. Congress is ready to support anything that would improve the situation,” he stated.
Gandhi also noted the urgency for peace and respect in Manipur, asserting, “The state is completely split in two and it is a tragedy for everybody involved. The entire state is suffering. If we start to think about peace and affection, it will be a very very big step for Manipur.”
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Modi at his countryside residence, congratulating him on winning a historic third term.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your re-election as Prime Minister. I think that this is no coincidence, this is the result of your work for many years as the head of the government.
You have your own ideas, you are a very energetic person, you know how to achieve results in the interests of India and the Indian people. And the result is obvious. India confidently ranks third in the world in terms of economic volume,” Putin said through his translator.
“You have dedicated your whole life to the people of your country and the citizens know it,” he added.
Modi, in turn, emphasized his commitment to reform and the support he has received from the Indian people. “My principle has been to bring reforms. The people of my country have put a stamp on my policies. I am determined to work thrice as hard in my third term,” PM Modi said.
Modi’s visit to Russia is his first bilateral visit after securing his third term as Prime Minister and his first trip to Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. His last visit to Russia was in 2019 for an economic conclave in Vladivostok.