Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in India’s Lok Sabha, is set to visit the United States from September 8 to 10, where he will engage with the Indian diaspora, academic communities, and business leaders. The announcement was made by Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), in a video message on Saturday.
Purpose and Itinerary of the Visit
Pitroda detailed that Gandhi’s trip would include key stops in Dallas and Washington DC. “Since Rahul Gandhi has become the leader of the opposition, I, as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress with presence in 32 countries, have been bombarded with requests from the Indian diaspora, diplomats, academicians, businessmen, leaders, international media, and many others for interactions with Mr Rahul Gandhi,” Pitroda stated.
Gandhi’s visit is designed to be brief but impactful. In Dallas, he will begin his engagements on September 8 with a focus on academia and student communities at the University of Texas. He is also expected to attend a large community gathering where he will interact with technocrats and local leaders during a dinner event.
Engagements in Washington DC
The following days will see Gandhi in Washington DC, where he will continue his interactions with a diverse group of stakeholders. His schedule includes meetings with think tanks and members of the National Press Club, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration with influential figures and organizations.
Pitroda emphasized the significance of these interactions, noting that there is considerable interest among the Indian diaspora and various sectors. He highlighted the enthusiasm from regions with a strong Congress presence, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and potentially Maharashtra, as well as Gurugram.
Anticipated Outcomes and Reactions
“There is great interest in conversations from the business and tech communities. We look forward to a very successful visit and welcoming Rahul Gandhi to the US,” Pitroda expressed. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the Indian political leadership and the global Indian community, reflecting a growing engagement with key stakeholders in the US.
Pitroda’s final remarks underscored the importance of the visit: “We look forward to a very successful visit.”
